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diff --git a/old/68679-h/68679-h.htm b/old/68679-h/68679-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index 786a917..0000000 --- a/old/68679-h/68679-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,10921 +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=utf-8" /> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" /> - <title> - The Unseen Ear, by Natalie Sumner Lincoln—A Project Gutenberg eBook - </title> - <link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg" /> - <style type="text/css"> - -body {margin-left: 10%; - margin-right: 10%;} - - 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;} - -.no-indent {text-indent: 0;} - -.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;} - -.p4 {margin-top: 4em;} -.p4b {margin-bottom: 4em;} - -hr {width: 33%; - margin-top: 2em; - margin-bottom: 2em; - margin-left: 33.5%; - margin-right: 33.5%; - clear: both;} - -hr.tb {width: 45%; margin-left: 27.5%; margin-right: 27.5%;} -hr.chap {width: 65%; margin-left: 17.5%; margin-right: 17.5%;} -@media print { hr.chap {display: none; visibility: hidden;} } - -div.chapter {page-break-before: always;} -h2.nobreak {page-break-before: avoid;} - -.ul { list-style-type: none; } - -table {margin-left: auto; - margin-right: auto;} - -.tdl {text-align: left;} -.tdbr {text-align: right; - vertical-align: bottom;} -.tdc {text-align: center;} -.tdtr {text-align: right; - vertical-align: top;} - -.pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ - /* visibility: hidden; */ - position: absolute; - left: 92%; - font-size: smaller; - text-align: right; - font-style: normal; - font-weight: normal; - font-variant: normal; -} /* page numbers */ - -.adblock {margin-left: 20%; - margin-right: 20%; - padding-left: 2em; - padding-right: 2em; - padding-top: 1.5em; - padding-bottom: 1.5em;} - -.blockquot {margin-left: 10%; - margin-right: 10%;} - -.center {text-align: center;} - -.right {text-align: right; - padding-right: 2em;} - -.right2 {text-align: right; - padding-right: 8em;} - -.right3 {text-align: right;} - -.left {text-align: left; - padding-left: 2em;} - -.smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} - -.allsmcap {font-variant: small-caps; - text-transform: lowercase;} - -.smaller {font-size: 85%;} - -.caption {font-weight: bold; - text-align: center;} - -.dropcap {float:left; - font-size: 40px; - line-height: 22.5px; - padding-top: 2px; - padding-bottom: .25px;} - -/* Images */ - -img {max-width: 100%; - height: auto;} - -.figcenter { - margin: auto; - text-align: center; - page-break-inside: avoid; - max-width: 100%;} - -/* Transcriber's notes */ -.transnote {background-color: #E6E6FA; - color: black; - font-size:smaller; - padding:0.5em; - margin-bottom:5em; - font-family:sans-serif, serif; - margin-left: 20%; - margin-right: 20%;} - -.x-ebookmaker-drop .hide {display: none; visibility: hidden;} - -.x-ebookmaker .hide {display: none; visibility: hidden;} - -.x-ebookmaker .figcenter {width:100%} - -.x-ebookmaker .adblock {margin-left: 2%; margin-right: 2%;} - - </style> - </head> -<body> -<p style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The unseen ear, by Natalie Sumner Lincoln</p> -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online -at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you -are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the -country where you are located before using this eBook. -</div> - -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: The unseen ear</p> -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Natalie Sumner Lincoln</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: August 3, 2022 [eBook #68679]</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</p> - <p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em; text-align:left'>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 University of California libraries)</p> -<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE UNSEEN EAR ***</div> - -<div class="figcenter hide" style="width: 30%"> -<img src="images/cover.jpg" alt="Cover" /> -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h1>THE UNSEEN EAR</h1></div> - -<p class="ph2 nobreak"><span class="smcap">By</span> NATALIE SUMNER LINCOLN</p> - -<p class="p4b center no-indent"><span class="smcap">Author of</span> -<i>“I Spy,” “The Moving Finger,” “The Nameless Man,”<br /> -“The Red Seal,” “The Three Strings,” etc.</i></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 150px;"> -<img src="images/i_title.jpg" width="150" alt="Publishers Logo" -title="" /></div> - -<p class="p4 center no-indent"><span class="smcap">With Frontispiece</span></p> - -<p class="center no-indent">A. L. BURT COMPANY<br /> -Publishers      New York</p> - -<p class="center no-indent"><small>Published by arrangement with D. Appleton & Company</small></p> - -<p class="center no-indent"><small>Printed in U. S. A.</small></p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<p class="center no-indent"><span class="allsmcap">COPYRIGHT</span>, 1921, <span class="allsmcap">BY</span><br /> -D. APPLETON AND COMPANY<br /> -<br /> -<br /> -<br /> -<small>Copyright, 1920, by Street and Smith<br /> -PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA</small></p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"> -<a id="i_frontispiece"><img src="images/i_frontispiece.jpg" width="400" alt="DROPPING ON HER KNEES, SHE TURNED THE DIAL" -title="" /></a></div></div> - -<p class="caption">DROPPING ON HER KNEES, SHE TURNED THE DIAL<br /> -<span class="right3"><a href="#Page_249">[page 249]</a></span></p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p class="center no-indent">TO<br /> -MY MOTHER<br /> -WHOSE UNFLAGGING INTEREST HAS<br /> -STIMULATED MY LITERARY WORK, THIS<br /> -LATEST BOOK IS LOVINGLY INSCRIBED.</p></div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p class=" ph2 nobreak">CONTENTS</p></div> - -<table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="3" summary="CONTENTS"> - -<tr><td class="tdc"><small>CHAPTER</small></td> -<td class="tdl"> </td> -<td class="tdc"><small>PAGE</small></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdtr">I</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Through the Portières</span></td> -<td class="tdbr"><a href="#Page_1">1</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdtr">II</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Identified</span></td> -<td class="tdbr"><a href="#Page_6">6</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdtr">III</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Theories</span></td> -<td class="tdbr"><a href="#Page_23">23</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdtr">IV</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Lost: A Memorandum</span></td> -<td class="tdbr"><a href="#Page_41">41</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdtr">V</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">More Theories</span></td> -<td class="tdbr"><a href="#Page_57">57</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdtr">VI</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Speculation</span></td> -<td class="tdbr"><a href="#Page_77">77</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdtr">VII</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Knave of Hearts</span></td> -<td class="tdbr"><a href="#Page_94">94</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdtr">VIII</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Pro and Con</span></td> -<td class="tdbr"><a href="#Page_113">113</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdtr">IX</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Half a Sheet</span></td> -<td class="tdbr"><a href="#Page_123">123</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdtr">X</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Below Stairs</span></td> -<td class="tdbr"><a href="#Page_140">140</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdtr">XI</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Threat</span></td> -<td class="tdbr"><a href="#Page_153">153</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdtr">XII</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Theft</span></td> -<td class="tdbr"><a href="#Page_169">169</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdtr">XIII</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">“Mizpah”</span></td> -<td class="tdbr"><a href="#Page_182">182</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdtr">XIV</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Suspicion</span></td> -<td class="tdbr"><a href="#Page_193">193</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdtr">XV</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Push Button</span></td> -<td class="tdbr"><a href="#Page_209">209</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdtr">XVI</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Links in the Chain</span></td> -<td class="tdbr"><a href="#Page_225">225</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdtr">XVII</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Dancing Silhouettes</span></td> -<td class="tdbr"><a href="#Page_242">242</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdtr">XVIII</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Edged Tools</span></td> -<td class="tdbr"><a href="#Page_252">252</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdtr">XIX</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Unseen Ear</span></td> -<td class="tdbr"><a href="#Page_270">270</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdtr">XX</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Run to Cover</span></td> -<td class="tdbr"><a href="#Page_279">279</a></td></tr> -</table> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_1">[Pg 1]</span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p class="ph1 nobreak" id="THE_UNSEEN_EAR">THE UNSEEN EAR</p></div> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_I">CHAPTER I<br /> -<span class="smaller">THROUGH THE PORTIÈRES</span></h2> - -<p class="no-indent"><span class="smcap"><span class="dropcap">T</span>he</span> bedroom door opened and closed on -its oiled hinges without a sound, and a -man walked over to the closet. With -methodical care he hung his coat on its accustomed -peg before moving deliberately over to his -bureau. On its highly polished top he laid down -a soiled scrap of paper. His quiet, orderly actions -gave no indication of the rage consuming -him. As he raised his head his eyes traveled upward -and he started back involuntarily at the face -contemplating him in the mirror. His face—but -was that distorted countenance his face? -With a shudder he glanced over his shoulder and -about the room; then slowly, fearfully he turned -to face his other self mirrored in the glass before -him.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>Judith Richards poked the fire into a brighter -blaze, then leaned back in her chair with a little -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_2">[Pg 2]</span>sigh of content and idly turned over the pages of -the book she had been reading. The happy ending -recorded in the romance reflected her own -mood. Two months a bride! Her lips parted -in a tender smile as events of her happy married -life recurred to her, and dropping the book in her -lap, she rested her head against the tufted chair -and watched the burning logs in dreamy contemplation. -She was not conscious of the lateness -of the hour or of the fact that she was no longer -alone in the large library.</p> - -<p>The newcomer who had entered noiselessly -through the portières hanging before the doorway -leading from the library into the dining room, -moved cautiously forward to obtain a better view -of Judith. Satisfied that he had not disturbed her -reverie, he sidled stealthily over to a large safe, -which stood near a mahogany desk, and dropped -on his knees before it.</p> - -<p>Without rising from his crouching position, he -pushed forward a chair until its broad proportions -completely sheltered his movements should Judith -turn around and glance in his direction; then, losing -no further time, he twirled the dial of the safe -around with practiced fingers, and as the massive -door finally swung open he went systematically -through each compartment of the safe. Fully -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_3">[Pg 3]</span>twenty minutes passed and the man moistened his -dry lips. Was his search to go unrewarded?</p> - -<p>As he felt about in the last compartment to be -examined his fingers encountered a piece of paper -caught apparently in a crevice. With infinite care -he pulled it loose, and rising, walked over to the -electric-light bracket on the wall by the door -through which he had entered the library. One -of the bulbs was burning, and as he bent his head -to examine the piece of paper, his eyes caught the -flash of steel as it darted through the portières, -and he instinctively recoiled—but too late to -avoid the thrust. With a whimpering cry he fell -face downward, his blood staining the handsome -rugs.</p> - -<p>Judith stirred and sat up, then after a comfortable -stretch of her stiffened muscles, she replaced -her book on the table, and with a glance at the -mantel clock, paused to warm her hands at the -smoldering embers.</p> - -<p>It was much later than she had supposed—one -o’clock. With a faint shiver she pulled her dainty -warm wrapper more closely about her slender figure -before leaning over to switch off the reading -lamp. Picking up her large sewing bag she -walked across the library intending to press the -wall button which controlled the electric side -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_4">[Pg 4]</span>lights. But her intention was forgotten as her -sleepy eyes caught sight of the crumpled figure -lying in front of the entrance to the dining room.</p> - -<p>A cry broke from her and slowly her shocked -wits took in the significance of the ever widening -red stain creeping across the rugs and floor. For -long seconds she stood staring, too terrified to -move. Gradually gathering courage, she advanced -and, placing one trembling hand on the -man’s shoulder, rolled him over until his face -was exposed to view. With a bound she regained -her feet, her hands raised to her throbbing -temples, while the sewing bag tumbled unheeded -to the floor.</p> - -<p>She was unaware of the passing time as she -gazed at the face before her, a face scarcely less -gray in death than her own, from which every ray -of color had been stricken. Slowly, slowly she -took in every detail of the man’s appearance, then -with numb, clumsy fingers she jerked a long pair -of steel shears from her sewing bag and, kneeling -down once more by the dead man, she hacked and -tore at his watch chain until she had loosened a -small locket.</p> - -<p>Slipping the locket inside her belt and clutching -the sewing bag, she staggered to her feet and -made her way into the large central hall as a -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</span>key turned in the front door and a man stepped -inside the house.</p> - -<p>“Joe! Thank God!” Judith’s low cry -ended abruptly, and her husband was just in time -to catch her as she fell unconscious to the floor.</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</span></p> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_II">CHAPTER II<br /> -<span class="smaller">IDENTIFIED</span></h2></div> - -<p class="no-indent"><span class="smcap"><span class="dropcap">D</span>etective Ferguson</span> laid an -impatient finger on the bell of the front -door of the Hale residence and, removing -his hat, fanned himself vigorously. Coroner -Penfield’s message had been imperative and, the -Headquarters’ car having been out on an errand, -he had commandeered a “bike” which a patrolman -had left in the outer hallway, and had pedaled -uptown as rapidly as possible. The unwonted -exertion, as well as his intense curiosity, had both -served to excite him. What untoward circumstances -had required his immediate presence at -three in the morning at the home of Robert Hale, -eminent scientist and respected citizen of the -National Capital?</p> - -<p>The detective’s wonderment grew as the front -door flew back and he stepped over its threshold -into the semidarkness of the large central hall of -the house. The stillness was broken by a low-voiced -direction, and Ferguson, peering around, -saw a man, his presence partly concealed behind -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</span>the open front door, watching him. The man -shut the door with such care that it made no -sound.</p> - -<p>“Come this way,” he repeated, and Ferguson, -with an instinctive bow, realized he was addressed -by a member of the household and not a servant. -Checking his impulse to ask questions, the detective -followed his guide across the hall and into a -brilliantly lighted room. The sudden transition -from semidarkness caused Ferguson to blink owlishly, -and he paused abruptly on hearing the faint -click of the folding doors, through which they -had entered, being closed behind them.</p> - -<p>“Coroner Penfield is over there,” stated his -guide, and Ferguson, grown more accustomed to -the light, looked in the direction indicated just as -Penfield rose from his stooping position and -turned toward him. The coroner’s expression -changed at sight of the detective and he beckoned -him to approach. An instant later and Ferguson -was staring down at the figure of a man lying -partly turned upon his back. Penfield pointed to -the small wound over the heart and to the ashen -cheeks and staring eyes.</p> - -<p>“Dead,” he said, tersely. “Stabbed.”</p> - -<p>Ferguson whistled low, shot one questioning -look at the coroner, and then turned his attention -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</span>to the dead man and the room. With minute -care he examined the body and then scanned the -library. There was no indication of a struggle -having taken place, no chairs or tables were overturned. -Ferguson paused in perplexity—the -orderly appearance of the room surprised him; -his eyes ran up and down the book-lined walls, -over the handsome curtains drawn across the deep -window alcoves, and the drawn portières—the -furnishing of the library was a key to the wealth -and good taste of its owner, but as the background -for the scene of a tragedy it failed lamentably -to give any clew to it or answer his yet -unasked questions.</p> - -<p>“Well, doctor,” he turned to the coroner, -“who’s the dead man and who stabbed him?”</p> - -<p>Instead of replying, Penfield addressed the -third man in the library who, since admitting the -detective, had remained a silent witness of their -investigations.</p> - -<p>“Major Richards,” he began, “kindly repeat -just what you told me on my arrival,” and seating -himself at a convenient table, he drew out -a fountain pen and a memorandum pad. -“Major Joseph Richards,” he added by way of -explanation, “is Mr. Hale’s son-in-law, Ferguson.”</p> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</span></p> -<p>Richards acknowledged the detective’s jerky -bow at mention of his name with a grave inclination -of his head.</p> - -<p>“The information I can give you is meager,” -he stated, and Ferguson, sensitive to first impressions, -grew conscious of an undercurrent of agitation -admirably controlled by Richards’ deliberation -of speech; only a longer acquaintance would -tell whether such was characteristic of him. “I -returned from the club about twenty minutes past -one, found my wife”—his hesitation was almost -imperceptible—“indisposed, and on coming -in here later to look for a bottle of bromide -which she had left on the library table, I discovered”—</p> - -<p>He stopped, and an eloquent gesture completed -his sentence.</p> - -<p>“You found the room occupied,” supplemented -the coroner practically. “Was the man dead or -alive?” and the look he shot at Richards under -his shaggy brows was penetrating.</p> - -<p>“The man was dead.” Richards’ eyelids -flickered somewhat. “At least I judged so from -my superficial knowledge of medical matters. I -certainly did not kill him.”</p> - -<p>Penfield let pass a certain flippant hardness -which had crept into Richards’ manner, and Ferguson,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</span> -who had worked with the coroner in many -criminal cases, followed his cue.</p> - -<p>“What was your next action, Major -Richards?” Penfield inquired.</p> - -<p>“I returned to my wife and gave her the medicine, -then slipped downstairs and called you up,” -was the concise reply. “You came and instructed -me to send for Detective Ferguson, and after -doing so, I awaited his arrival and brought him -here.”</p> - -<p>“Did you inform your wife of your gruesome -discovery in the library?” inquired Penfield.</p> - -<p>“I did not.”</p> - -<p>“Why not?”</p> - -<p>“My wife was already in a highly nervous -state, and I feared she would become ill if further -excited,” Richards explained.</p> - -<p>Penfield frowned at his note pad. “What had -made her nervous?”</p> - -<p>“A motor accident in the early afternoon,” -quietly. “Her electric was run into by a taxicab, -and while no one was hurt, she suffered from -fright and shock.”</p> - -<p>“Too bad,” commented Penfield, his manner -somewhat sympathetic, and would have added -more, but Detective Ferguson, tired of the rôle -of listener, broke in brusquely.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</span></p> - -<p>“Who is the dead man, Major Richards?” -he demanded.</p> - -<p>“I do not know.” The low-spoken answer -was firm and Richards’ gaze did not waver before -their stares. The detective was the first to -look away.</p> - -<p>“I see, a case of ordinary burglary,” he said, -moving to the dead man. “He’s wearing a dark -suit, good quality cloth, however, and rubber -heeled shoes.” He transferred his gaze to the -safe, only partly visible from where he stood owing -to the position of a large, tufted lounging -chair. “Ah,” striding over to it, he laid his -hand on the levers and the door swung open without -resistance. “It’s unlocked; evidently the -burglar got it open before—” He checked his -hasty speech and faced Richards who had watched -his rapid movements with interest. “Who owns -this safe?”</p> - -<p>“Mr. Robert Hale.”</p> - -<p>“Is it usually left unlocked?”</p> - -<p>“I believe not.”</p> - -<p>“You believe not”—the detective caught -him up quickly. “Are you not familiar with Mr. -Hale’s habits?”</p> - -<p>“No,” regarding him steadily. “My wife and -I returned from our wedding journey only two -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</span>weeks ago. We are at present the guests of her -parents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hale. During our -visit I have not,” with quiet emphasis, “familiarized -myself, as you put it, with Mr. Hale’s habits, -but I once overheard him tell his wife that he never -left the safe unlocked.”</p> - -<p>Ferguson stooped down and examined the safe -with careful attention.</p> - -<p>“The lock’s not been forced,” he muttered. -“It looks like the job of an expert safe cracker, -or”—with an upward glance at Richards—“some -one familiar with the combination.”</p> - -<p>“The Rogues’ Gallery will aid in identifying -the dead man if he is a ‘regular,’” broke in -Coroner Penfield. “But who killed the burglar?” -He looked across at Richards. “Who -is in this house besides you and your wife?”</p> - -<p>“Mr. and Mrs. Hale have residing with them, -besides my wife and myself, Mr. Hale’s younger -brother, John Hale,” Richards answered. -“There are a number of servants who also sleep -in the house.”</p> - -<p>Penfield consulted his note pad. “Did you -go for Mr. Hale or his brother on finding the -dead man?” he questioned.</p> - -<p>“Mrs. Hale and her brother-in-law are at a -reception given by the French Ambassador and -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</span>his wife,” responded Richards. “They have not -yet returned.”</p> - -<p>“And Mr. Robert Hale—?”</p> - -<p>“Is ill in bed,” Richards perched himself on -the arm of a chair. “When I rushed upstairs -with the medicine for my wife I went first to Mr. -Hale’s bedroom and, on finding him asleep, withdrew -as quietly as possible.”</p> - -<p>“Didn’t you summon the servants?” asked -Penfield.</p> - -<p>“I did not.” Observing the look of surprise on -their faces, he added, “The servants are women. -I did not wish to terrify them with this sight,” -and he waved his hand in the direction of the -dead man.</p> - -<p>Penfield reflected a moment, and in the brief -interval Ferguson took mental note of Major -Richards’ fine physique and strongly molded features. -He did not look the man to lose his head -in an emergency; on the contrary, his self-possession -and poise made a favorable impression on -both the men watching him so intently. Richards -was about to speak again when Penfield held up -his hand.</p> - -<p>“Just a moment,” he cautioned. “Let me get -this straight. You reached this house about -twenty minutes after one this morning; Mrs. Hale -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</span>and her brother-in-law are still at the French -Embassy reception, leaving at home Mr. Hale, -ill in bed, your wife, and the female servants. -An unidentified man enters the house in your -absence and upon your return you find him -dead in the library. Did you hear voices or retreating -footsteps when you came in the front -door?”</p> - -<p>“No.”</p> - -<p>“Did you meet any one when on your way -to your wife’s room?”</p> - -<p>“No.” Richards’ eyes did not falter in their -direct gaze at the coroner. He confined his replies -to monosyllables.</p> - -<p>“Strange!” Penfield walked back and stood -looking down at the dead man. “Very strange. -I have made only a superficial examination, Major -Richards, but I’ll stake my reputation that that -wound was not self-inflicted. The man was -stabbed”—he paused and his voice deepened—“murdered.”</p> - -<p>The lines in Richards’ face showed more plainly -as he set his square jaw at a determined angle. -“The killing of a burglar is generally considered -justifiable homicide,” he said sternly. “It is -one’s right to protect one’s property from midnight -marauders.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</span></p> - -<p>“Who protected Mr. Hale’s home in this instance?” -demanded Ferguson.</p> - -<p>“I cannot tell you that,” responded Richards. -“But, Mr. Coroner, until you know further details -of how this man came to his death, you -cannot proclaim it a murder committed by an -inmate of this household.”</p> - -<p>“I proclaim nothing,” denied Penfield. “On -the contrary, I am first most anxious to question -the servants, Mr. Hale, and your wife—the only -people, according to your statement, at home when -this man was killed—and find out if possible -what transpired here in your absence.”</p> - -<p>“You cannot do that now,” interposed Richards -hastily. “Mr. Hale and my wife are not in condition -to be interviewed at this hour—later in -the day, perhaps”—Ferguson gave a gesture of -dissent.</p> - -<p>“And in the meantime,” he interposed harshly, -“the murderer will slip through our fingers, and -every clew grow cold.”</p> - -<p>“Not necessarily,” replied Richards warmly. -“You are at liberty to examine this floor and -the basement at the present time, only I must insist -that you do not disturb either my wife or Mr. -Hale.”</p> - -<p>“Very well, sir.” Ferguson turned toward the -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</span>folding doors leading to the central hall. -“Where are the servants’ bedrooms?”</p> - -<p>“On the third floor.” At the words the detective -vanished.</p> - -<p>Richards rose from his perch on the chair arm -and paced slowly up and down the library. Penfield, -paying no attention to his movements, knelt -down by the dead man and with infinite care -went through his pockets. His search produced -some loose change, a bill-folder containing nearly -a hundred dollars, and a bunch of keys.</p> - -<p>“Not much help for identification purposes,” -he remarked dryly, as Richards halted by his side. -“He was a handsome fellow; women rave over -that type of beauty in a man. He looks a gentleman—high-bred, -and all that.”</p> - -<p>“He could not have been in destitute circumstances,” -commented Richards, pointing to the -Treasury bills.</p> - -<p>“Hm—yes,” Penfield looked thoughtful. -“It might be that he rifled this money from Mr. -Hale’s safe.” He wheeled suddenly on Richards. -“What did Mr. Hale keep in his safe?”</p> - -<p>“You will have to ask Mr. Hale,” answered -Richards composedly. “I am ignorant of his -affairs.”</p> - -<p>Penfield stroked his chin slowly; Richards as -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</span>a source of information was a disappointment. -Should he not insist upon seeing Mr. Hale, illness -or no illness, unconventional hour or not? -Valuable time was slipping away and he was no -nearer vital information than at the moment of -his arrival—over an hour had elapsed since receiving -his hasty summons. Penfield stood up.</p> - -<p>“By the way, Major,” he began, “as you are -a stranger in Washington and did not ask the advice -of others”—with a quick side-long scrutiny -of which Richards appeared unaware—“how -did it happen that you called me on the telephone -first and not the police?”</p> - -<p>For answer Richards strode over to the table -near the fireplace and, picking up the evening -newspaper which lay spread across it, pointed -to a column of news bearing display type.</p> - -<p>“I had been reading earlier in the evening -this account of the Fuller inquest,” he explained. -“Your name is given, Coroner Penfield, and it -also stated that the body of the dead woman -could not be moved until you had arrived on the -scene; therefore,” calmly, “I judged that you -would be of more immediate aid than the police. -It was a simple matter to find your number in -the telephone directory.”</p> - -<p>“True.” Penfield considered a moment, then -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</span>moved restlessly over to the safe. Without removing -the contents of its compartments he took -careful note of such papers and objects as came -within his view. He was still gazing steadily -at them when the portières before the dining room -parted and Ferguson stepped again into the room.</p> - -<p>“Every window on this floor and the basement -is locked on the inside,” he announced. “And I -also examined those on the landings of the stairs -and the hall of the second floor.”</p> - -<p>“You went upstairs?” Richards moved toward -him, his jaw set at an angry angle. “After -what I told you?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.” There was open defiance in the detective’s -manner. “I looked only in the rooms -where the doors were open,” he turned and addressed -Penfield. “So far as I could discover, -there is no trace of the burglar’s having gained -entrance through forcing a window or door.”</p> - -<p>“No trace of any one’s lurking downstairs?” -demanded Penfield.</p> - -<p>“None.”</p> - -<p>“Found any weapon?”</p> - -<p>“No.” Ferguson’s tone was glum. His gaze, -shifting about the room, happened to light on -Richards and he saw him start and stiffen in a -listening attitude.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</span></p> - -<p>Ferguson’s eyes brightened, and he checked -further speech. Suddenly he caught the sound of -a soft footfall and, as Richards started forward, -he interposed his bulky form between him and -the folding doors as they were pushed apart and -Judith Richards stepped into the library. With -a shove which sent the detective sprawling, -Richards gained his wife’s side.</p> - -<p>“Why have you come down, dearest?” he -asked tenderly, bending his head until his mouth -almost touched her ear.</p> - -<p>She shook her head, as her hand crept into his -and leaned her weight on his protecting arm.</p> - -<p>“I came down to find,” she commenced, and -her soft voice, though low-pitched, reached the -two listening men, then she stopped in fright as, -moving slightly forward, she caught a glimpse -over Richards’ shoulder of Penfield regarding -her. “Joe—who is that?”</p> - -<p>“Ah, eh—” Richards stammered, then caught -himself up. “It is Mr. Penfield, dearest.” She -raised her eyes and regarded him closely, and -more slowly he repeated, “Dr. Penfield.”</p> - -<p>She shook her head in bewilderment, and drew -her silk wrapper more closely about her; the movement -brought into view the large sewing bag suspended -by its cord from her wrist.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</span></p> - -<p>“I came down to find,” she commenced -again——</p> - -<p>“I know,” broke in Ferguson from his seat -on the floor where his encounter with Richards’ -muscular figure had landed him. His tumble had -disarranged the rug and under its lifted folds he -had caught the gleam of light on metal. With -impetuous fingers he drew out a pair of long steel -shears and held them aloft. “You left a dead -man here and came back to find your bloodstained -shears.”</p> - -<p>An oath ripped from Richards and he made a -step forward, but Judith’s clinging hand detained -him. She reeled against him as she caught sight -of the shears, and he held her closely; his voice, -though low, vibrated with passion.</p> - -<p>“You—Ferguson!” he gasped.</p> - -<p>“Stop!” commanded the detective. “I am -not interested in your statements, Major Richards; -let your wife answer my last remark.”</p> - -<p>“Answer!” Richards choked; then spoke more -clearly. “You —— fool! My wife has not -heard a word you said—she is stone deaf.”</p> - -<p>Ferguson and Coroner Penfield stared dumfounded -at husband and wife. The latter was the -first to break the strained silence.</p> - -<p>“I am sorry, gentlemen,” she said, and her -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</span>deprecating look, as well as charming voice, conveyed -an apology, “I cannot understand what -you are saying.” She raised her eyes and gazed -perplexedly at her husband. “Joe, I came down -to get my ear trumpet.”</p> - -<p>Penfield recovered from his surprise. “It is -here, madam,” he exclaimed and hurrying to the -safe picked up the instrument from one of the -compartments and handed it to Judith. With -quick deft fingers she adjusted it to her ear and -then Ferguson addressed her.</p> - -<p>“Now, madam, perhaps you will explain—don’t -interfere, Major Richards—I must have -an explanation—”</p> - -<p>“And so must I.” The interruption came in -an unexpected quarter, and both Penfield and the -detective wheeled toward the hall door. “What -is the meaning of this scene in my house, gentlemen?” -Mrs. Hale, tossing her ermine cape on -the nearest chair, advanced to the little group, -followed by her brother-in-law, John Hale.</p> - -<p>Penfield spoke before the others.</p> - -<p>“A crime has been committed here to-night, -madam, in your absence,” he began.</p> - -<p>“A crime?” She interrupted in her turn, her -eyes leaving her daughter’s blanched face for the -first time. “A crime—?”</p> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</span></p> -<p>“Yes; a burglar forced an entrance and was -murdered——”</p> - -<p>“A burglar!” John Hale pushed past his -sister-in-law to the center of the room. His -manner was rough and domineering. “What -the devil are you talking about?”</p> - -<p>Without answering, Ferguson wheeled about -and, walking over to the motionless figure on the -floor, signed to Hale to approach.</p> - -<p>“Here’s the burglar—and he’s dead,” he announced -concisely, then held up the shears, “and -here’s the weapon—from a workbag,” casting -a significant glance at the bag still suspended from -Judith’s icy fingers. Richards’ furious retort was -checked by a cry of horror from John Hale.</p> - -<p>With staring eyes and ghastly face he gazed -down at the dead man.</p> - -<p>“A burglar!” he cried. “Austin—my son!” -and pitched headlong to the floor.</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</span></p> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_III">CHAPTER III<br /> -<span class="smaller">THEORIES</span></h2></div> - -<p class="no-indent"><span class="smcap"><span class="dropcap">M</span>rs. Hale</span> rattled her coffee cups and -looked over the top of her silver urn -at Joe Richards; he had asked for a -third cup of coffee and he drank it clear. Mrs. -Hale was shocked. But the remonstrance on the -tip of her tongue died unspoken as she studied -his clear-cut profile and observed the dogged set -to his determined jaw. She took silent note of his -unusual pallor, the dark circles under his eyes, -and his continued silence. Mrs. Hale felt resentful; -she was of a talkative disposition and -had welcomed an opportunity to discuss the mystery -surrounding Austin Hale’s death with her -handsome son-in-law, but instead of following -her lead he had answered in monosyllables. A -less persistent woman would have given up the -attempt.</p> - -<p>“Did you ask Judith if she saw a light in -Austin’s bedroom?” she inquired, for at least the -sixth time. “Your suite of rooms is directly -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</span>under his, poor boy,” and she sought refuge behind -her damp handkerchief. She emerged a moment -later to add, “Austin must have gone to -his room, for his overcoat and suit case were there -when I went upstairs after that distressing scene -in the library—dear me, was it only this morning?”</p> - -<p>“It was.” Richards’ tone was grim and did -not invite further remarks. For a moment there -was silence.</p> - -<p>“You haven’t answered my question, my dear -boy,” prompted Mrs. Hale plaintively, “nor have -you touched your breakfast!” in shocked surprise -as Anna, the waitress, removed his plate.</p> - -<p>“I—I cannot eat.” With an effort Richards -suppressed a grimace at sight of the untasted -eggs and bacon. “I have no appetite. Dear -Mrs. Hale, do not distress yourself on my account.”</p> - -<p>Mrs. Hale regarded him in suspicious silence; -she was not quite certain what prompted his -sudden change of manner. Was he poking fun -at her? But as she met his unwavering gaze she -dismissed the idea as unworthy, and returned -valiantly to the task of eliciting information.</p> - -<p>“What questions <i>did</i> you ask Judith?” she -demanded.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</span></p> - -<p>“I have not questioned Judith.” Richards -drew out his cigarette case. “May I smoke?” -And hardly waiting for her permission, he added, -“Judith, as you know, does not feel well and is -breakfasting in her boudoir. I do not believe,”—Richards -paused and his speech gained added -deliberation—“I do not believe Judith can supply -any information as to the events of last night, -nor any clew to the unfortunate murder of her -cousin. Her deafness——”</p> - -<p>“I know,” broke in Mrs. Hale hastily—any -allusion to Judith’s infirmity cut her mother love. -“I cannot think why, when Austin reached home, -he did not at once tell Judith that he was in the -house—he knew she could not <i>hear</i> him enter. -It is most surprising!” and Mrs. Hale shook -a puzzled head.</p> - -<p>Richards considered her thoughtfully. “Have -you found out how and when Austin returned -last night?” he asked.</p> - -<p>“Of course.” Mrs. Hale brightened; Richards -was at last expanding to the extent of asking -questions—what had made him so morose? “I -interviewed the servants immediately after leaving -the library.” She did not add that she had -scurried upstairs in dire haste so as to be the -first person to go to their rooms and personally -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</span>question each and every one—thereby upsetting -Detective Ferguson’s well-laid plans, and depriving -the servants of any sleep during the remainder -of the night. “Not one of them,” impressively, -“knew of his return.”</p> - -<p>“Then how did he get in?” persisted Richards.</p> - -<p>“With his latchkey, of course,” somewhat surprised -by Richards’ manner. “Oh, I forgot, you -did not know Austin, and perhaps we have not -mentioned that he has always made his home -with us since his adoption.”</p> - -<p>“His what?” Richards’ voice rose in astonishment; -and Mrs. Hale’s complacent smile reflected -her gratification; she had at last aroused -Richards’ interest. “Do you mean—was he -not John Hale’s son?”</p> - -<p>“No, only his stepson,” she explained. “John -married a widow, Cora Price, much older than -himself, when he was but twenty-four—in fact -just out of college. John is only forty-seven -now, ten years my husband’s junior. Dear me, -where was I?” and Mrs. Hale pulled up short, -conscious that she had wandered from the point.</p> - -<p>“You were speaking of Austin’s adoption,” -Richards reminded her gently.</p> - -<p>“Oh, yes. Cora had a boy by her first husband, -and when she died within the year of their -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</span>marriage, she left him, then about five years of -age, to John to bring up, and he legally adopted -him, giving him our name. John,” she added, -“is very kind-hearted, if somewhat hasty in his -actions.”</p> - -<p>Reminded of his cigarette by his burned fingers, -Richards dropped the stub in his coffee cup -and started to light another just as Maud, the -parlor maid, appeared in the dining room.</p> - -<p>“Detective Ferguson has called to see Mr. -John,” she announced, addressing Mrs. Hale. -“Do you know when he will return, ma’am?”</p> - -<p>“I do not,” Mrs. Hale pushed back her chair -and rose with alacrity. “Where is the detective?”</p> - -<p>“In the library, ma’am.”</p> - -<p>“Show him into the drawing-room,” Mrs. -Hale directed, and not giving Richards an opportunity -to pull back the portières before the entrance -to the large room which adjoined the dining room -on the west, she swept majestically away.</p> - -<p>“Maud!” The parlor maid halted as -Richards’ low voice reached her. “Did my wife -eat her breakfast?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir, a little.” Maud’s sympathetic -smile blossomed forth as she caught Richards’ -pleased expression. She lingered before speeding<span class="pagenum" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</span> -on her errand to the waiting detective. “Miss -Judith has brightened considerable since I gave -her Miss Polly’s answer.”</p> - -<p>Richards’ strong hand caressed his clean-shaven -chin. “And what was the answer?” he questioned. -“Verbal?”</p> - -<p>“Oh, yes, sir; James brought back word that -Miss Polly would be right over, and so I told -Miss Judith.”</p> - -<p>“Thank you, Maud,” and the parlor maid felt -rewarded by Richards’ charming smile.</p> - -<p>Richards had become a favorite with the servants, -who idolized “Miss Judith,” as they still -persisted in calling her. They had awaited with -interest the arrival of the bride and groom two -weeks before, an interest intensified by the storm -which had arisen on receipt of Judith’s cablegram -to her father telling of her marriage in far-away -Japan to Joseph Richards.</p> - -<p>Robert Hale had made no attempt to conceal -or modify his fury while Mrs. Hale, deeply hurt -by what she termed her “unfilial conduct,” had -promptly made the best of the situation and endeavored -to persuade her husband to accept the -inevitable and cable Judith their forgiveness. -Hale, anxious to return to his scientific experiments, -finally succumbed to her arguments, backed -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</span>up by those of his brother John, and, going a -step further than his wife had expected, added -an invitation to return to the paternal roof.</p> - -<p>Richards had borne himself well under the inspection -of his wife’s family, and Hale had grudgingly -admitted to his wife that perhaps he wasn’t -such a bad lot after all, to which Mrs. Hale, -who had been won by Richards’ charm of manner -and handsome presence, had indignantly responded -that Judith had been most fortunate in -her selection of a husband. Hale’s only response -had been a sardonic grin.</p> - -<p>As the parlor maid hurried down the hall, -Richards paused in thought; Mrs. Hale had not -invited him to go with her to the drawing-room, -but—with bent head he meditatively paced up -and down, his steps involuntarily carrying him -nearer and nearer the portières; as he paused -irresolutely before them, Mrs. Hale’s voice came -to him clearly.</p> - -<p>“Detective Ferguson, I must insist on an answer to -my question.”</p> - -<p>Richards jerked the portières aside and without -ceremony entered the drawing-room. Ferguson -turned at sound of his footsteps and bowed to -him before answering Mrs. Hale who was regarding -him with fixed attention.</p> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</span></p> -<p>“I can’t tell you anything, Mrs. Hale,” he -protested. “I came here to get information.”</p> - -<p>“What information?” Mrs. Hale had -frowned at sight of Richards, then, her momentary -displeasure gone, addressed herself to the -detective. She enjoyed the rôle of inquisitor.</p> - -<p>“I wanted to talk with Mr. John Hale.”</p> - -<p>“He is out.”</p> - -<p>“So your maid said.” Ferguson fingered the -table ornaments with restless fingers; he was getting -nowhere and time was slipping away. -“Where’s he gone?”</p> - -<p>Richards answered the question. “To the -cemetery, I understood him to say.” He glanced -at his watch. “Mr. Hale should be back in a -very short time.”</p> - -<p>“Then I’ll wait, Major,” and Ferguson, who -had secretly resented Mrs. Hale’s discourtesy in -not asking him to be seated, jerked forward a -chair and threw himself into it. “Can I see -your husband, madam?”</p> - -<p>“You cannot.” Mrs. Hale rapped out the reply, -and Richards shot a quick look of inquiry in -her direction. “My husband is under Dr. McLane’s -care, and until the doctor gives permission -he cannot be interviewed.”</p> - -<p>“Dr. McLane,” repeated Ferguson, and his -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</span>face brightened. “The doctor came in just before -I did. Will you please send him word that -I would like to see him before he leaves?”</p> - -<p>Mrs. Hale considered for a brief second, then -turned to Richards who was standing near the -mantel. “Please touch the bell for Maud,” and -as he did so, she again spoke to Ferguson.</p> - -<p>“Why do you desire to see my husband?” -she asked, and her manner had regained its usual -suavity.</p> - -<p>“To question him regarding the occurrences of -last night,” answered Ferguson. “Have you already -done so?” and he eyed her keenly.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Hale shook her head, but before she -could otherwise reply, Maud came into the room.</p> - -<p>“Ask Dr. McLane to come here before he -leaves,” she directed. “Tell him that Detective -Ferguson and I both wish to see him,” and Maud -vanished. Mrs. Hale settled herself back in her -chair and regarded Ferguson attentively. There -was a bull-dog air about the detective that warned -her he was not to be trifled with. In spite of -her haphazard characteristics and total lack of -tact, she recognized determination in the opposite -sex, though never giving in to her own.</p> - -<p>“What did you ask me, Mr. Ferguson?” she -inquired sweetly.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</span></p> - -<p>“Have you told your husband of the death of -Austin Hale?” Ferguson put the direct question -with quiet emphasis, and she answered it in kind.</p> - -<p>“I have not,” adding before he could speak, -“My husband was asleep when I went to our -rooms after my interview with you this morning, -and when he awoke two hours ago he complained -of feeling feverish, so I forbore breaking the -news to him until after Dr. McLane’s visit.”</p> - -<p>Ferguson scrutinized her narrowly; he was not -prepossessed in her favor and from the little he -had seen of her wondered that she should have -refrained from telling her husband of the tragedy -of the early morning, for he judged her to be -the type of woman who must talk at all costs. -That she had not told her husband implied—— The -detective’s cogitations were interrupted by -the entrance of John Hale and a companion whom -Ferguson instantly recognized from the frequent -publication of his photograph in the local papers.</p> - -<p>Francis Latimer, senior member of the firm of -Latimer and House, stockbrokers, was one of -the popular bachelors of Washington. Inclined -to embonpoint, of medium height, a little bald, -and wearing round, horn spectacles, he resembled -in his fastidiousness of dress and deportment a -Pickwick in modern attire. At the moment his -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</span>face, generally round and rosy with an ever present -smile, wore an unusual seriousness of expression -as he greeted Mrs. Hale and Richards. He -glanced inquiringly at Ferguson and returned -that official’s bow with a courteous inclination of -his head.</p> - -<p>“Detective Ferguson has been waiting to see -you, John,” explained Mrs. Hale, as the men -stood for a second in silence.</p> - -<p>Ferguson stepped forward. “You told me to -call at ten o’clock, Mr. Hale,” he reminded him, -and John nodded.</p> - -<p>“So I did,” he acknowledged. “Sorry to have -kept you waiting, but I had to see the superintendent -of the cemetery,” he stopped and cleared -his voice. “Latimer and I have just returned -from making arrangements for the funeral services. -Have you,” again a slight huskiness in his -usually clear voice slurred his words, “have you -heard, Ferguson, the result of the autopsy?”</p> - -<p>“No, Mr. Hale, but it was held——” Ferguson -looked over his shoulder on hearing footsteps -behind him and saw Leonard McLane walk between -the portières of the folding doors, held back -by the attentive waitress, Anna.</p> - -<p>“Dr. McLane,”—the detective gave no one an -opportunity to greet the busy surgeon—“you -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</span>were present with Coroner Penfield at the post-mortem -examination of young Hale, were you -not?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.” McLane took the hand Mrs. Hale -extended to him and gave it a reassuring squeeze; -he judged from her unaccustomed pallor that she -was much upset. “Yes, well?” and he looked -inquiringly at the detective.</p> - -<p>“Tell us the result, doctor,” urged Ferguson, -and added as McLane hesitated, “You will be -betraying no confidences, because the coroner telephoned -me to stop and see him about it when I -leave here.”</p> - -<p>“Go ahead, McLane,” broke in John Hale. -“I am entitled to know what caused Austin’s -death—don’t keep me in suspense any longer,” -and McLane, looking at him closely, saw that tiny -beads of sweat had gathered on Hale’s forehead.</p> - -<p>John Hale, who measured six feet two in his -stocking feet, presented a striking contrast to -Frank Latimer as they stood side by side, a contrast -Washington society had laughed at and -grown accustomed to. Their Damon and Pythias -friendship had commenced when they were students -at Harvard University and, continued -through the years of their separation when John -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</span>Hale was in Mexico, was cemented again upon the -latter’s return to make his home permanently in -the National Capital. Hale was the elder by two -years. His healthy out-of-door life showed in -the breadth of his shoulders and deep chest, and he -was seldom credited with being forty-seven years -of age. For the first time McLane became aware -of the crow’s-feet discernible under his eyes as -John Hale moved nearer him.</p> - -<p>“Coroner Penfield’s examination,” McLane -stated, “proved that Austin died as the result of -a wound in the chest. The weapon penetrated -the right ventricle of the heart, and death was -due to internal hemorrhage.”</p> - -<p>A heavy sob broke from Mrs. Hale. “Oh, -poor Austin!” she lamented. “Oh, why did he -do so mad an act?”</p> - -<p>“Explain your meaning, madam,” insisted -Ferguson quickly, and held up a cautioning hand -as John Hale was about to interrupt her.</p> - -<p>“Why, kill himself,” asserted Mrs. Hale. -“To commit suicide <i>is</i> a mad act,” she added a -trifle defiantly and gazed at her silent companions.</p> - -<p>“Was the wound self-inflicted, doctor?” questioned -Ferguson, and Mrs. Hale grew conscious -of the strained attention of her companions as -they waited in silence for McLane’s answer.</p> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</span></p> -<p>The surgeon answered with a question.</p> - -<p>“Was any weapon found by the body?”</p> - -<p>Ferguson took from his pocket a package -wrapped in oilskin. Removing the wrapping, he -exhibited a pair of long slender shears. One -blade was covered with bloodstains.</p> - -<p>“These shears were lying near the body,” he -announced.</p> - -<p>“And under a rug,” Richards broke his long -silence. “I distinctly recall seeing you pick them -up, Ferguson, and remember the position they -were in when you found them.”</p> - -<p>“They were not under a rug,” retorted Ferguson. -“The edge of the rug was turned back and -covered them. Don’t touch the steel, sir,”—as -Richards stepped to his side and studied the -shears—“I’ve had impressions made for possible -finger marks. You haven’t answered my question, -doctor; was it suicide?”</p> - -<p>“Possibly.”</p> - -<p>“But not probably?” quickly.</p> - -<p>“Have a care, Ferguson.” Richards spoke -with sternness. “Don’t impute a meaning to -Dr. McLane’s words; let him put his own construction -on them.” Abruptly he turned to the -surgeon. “Could the wound have been accidentally -inflicted?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</span></p> - -<p>McLane stared at him. “I don’t quite catch -your meaning?”</p> - -<p>“Could Austin have tripped or stumbled and -fallen on the shears?”</p> - -<p>“He could have tripped or stumbled, certainly; -but if he had fallen on the shears both blades -would have penetrated his chest—” McLane -pointed to them. “Only one blade is bloodstained.”</p> - -<p>“Quite sure they are bloodstains and not -rust?” As he put the question, Richards again -scrutinized the shears.</p> - -<p>Ferguson smiled skeptically. “The stains have -already been subjected to chemical tests,” he said. -“It is human blood. Another thing, Major, if -Austin Hale fell on these shears and, improbable -as it may seem, was stabbed by only one blade, -that blade would have remained in the wound, -would it not, doctor?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“Then we can dismiss the theory of accidental -death,” argued Ferguson, “and there remain -homicide or suicide. Come, doctor, could Austin -have pulled out the shears’ blade after stabbing -himself?”</p> - -<p>McLane shook his head dubiously. “Death -resulted almost instantaneously,” he answered.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</span></p> - -<p>Richards, who had thrust his hands into his -trousers’ pockets, clenched them until the nails -dug into the flesh, while Detective Ferguson, with -a covert smile, rolled up the shears once again in -the piece of oilskin and replaced them in his -pocket.</p> - -<p>“Suicide is then out of the question,” he commented -gravely. “It leaves us face to face with -homicide. What motive inspired Austin Hale’s -murder, gentlemen?”</p> - -<p>A low moan escaped Mrs. Hale. “There -<i>could</i> be no motive,” she stammered. “Austin -had no enemies, and this was his home; he was -surrounded only with relatives——”</p> - -<p>“And he was murdered,” Ferguson’s lips parted -in a dangerous smile, as he swung on John Hale. -“Come, sir, have you no facts to disclose, no -aid to offer in tracking down your son’s murder?”</p> - -<p>John Hale regarded him for a moment in grim -silence.</p> - -<p>“I give you a free hand to follow every clew,” -he affirmed, “and offer a reward of five thousand -dollars for the apprehension and conviction of -his murderer.”</p> - -<p>Detective Ferguson buttoned his coat and -picked up his hat which he had brought with -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</span>him into the drawing-room; then he turned to -McLane.</p> - -<p>“Can I see your patient, Mr. Robert Hale?” -he asked.</p> - -<p>“Not now.” McLane addressed Mrs. Hale. -“I have given your husband a sedative,” he said. -“Keep all excitement from him when he awakens; -I will call later.”</p> - -<p>“But see here, doctor,” objected Ferguson, “I -must interview Mr. Hale,” and in his earnestness -he laid a persuasive hand on the surgeon’s coat -sleeve.</p> - -<p>“So you can, shortly,” answered McLane. -“Come with me, Ferguson, I’ll take you to the -coroner’s,” and there was that about McLane -which deterred the detective from pressing the -point. With a bow to the others McLane hurried -away, Ferguson in his wake. Mrs. Hale gazed -in dead silence at her three companions, then -found relief in tears.</p> - -<p>“Hush, Agatha,” exclaimed her brother-in-law, -as her sobs grew in volume. “Calm yourself.”</p> - -<p>John Hale’s strong voice carried some comfort, -and she looked up a few minutes later as the gong -over the front door rang loudly. Through her -tear-dimmed eyes she had a fleeting glimpse of a -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</span>familiar, slender figure hurrying past the portières -and through the central hall to the circular staircase. -Mrs. Hale’s tears burst out afresh.</p> - -<p>“Oh!” she gasped. “I just can’t break the -news of Austin’s death to Polly Davis—they -were engaged——”</p> - -<p>“You don’t know what you are talking -about!” John Hale spoke with rough vehemence. -“Polly and Austin were not engaged,” -and turning on his heel he stamped his way out -of the drawing-room.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Hale gazed in bewilderment at Richards -and Latimer; the former answered her unspoken -question.</p> - -<p>“Weren’t you aware of the situation?” he -asked, and there was mockery in his tone. “John -Hale and Austin, his stepson, were both madly in -love with Polly—your husband’s secretary.”</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</span></p> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_IV">CHAPTER IV<br /> -<span class="smaller">LOST: A MEMORANDUM</span></h2></div> - -<p class="no-indent"><span class="smcap"><span class="dropcap">A</span>nna</span>, the waitress, took one more comprehensive -look around the prettily -furnished boudoir to make sure that she -had not overlooked the sugar bowl; it was certainly -nowhere in sight. Anna paused on her -way to the door leading to Judith’s bedroom, -turned back and, picking up the breakfast tray, -departed to her domain below stairs.</p> - -<p>Judith, totally unaware that she had disturbed -her mother’s excellent waitress by walking off -in a moment of absent-mindedness with the sugar -bowl, saw reflected in her long cheval glass the -closing of the boudoir door, and crossing her bedroom, -made certain, by a peep inside, that Anna -had gone. With a quick turn of her wrist she -shut the door and locked it. The suite which she -and her husband occupied consisted of three -rooms, the boudoir, their bedroom, and beyond -that a large dressing room and bath. There was -but one entrance to the suite—by way of the -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</span>boudoir, which rendered their quarters absolutely -private.</p> - -<p>Judith perched herself on one of the twin beds, -and, feeling underneath her pillow, pulled out a -gold locket from which dangled the broken link -of a gold chain. There was nothing extraordinary -in the appearance of the locket, nothing to -distinguish it from many other such ornaments, -yet it held Judith’s gaze with the power of a -snake-charmer. Twice she looked away from it, -twice dropped it under the folds of the tossed -back bedclothes, only to pick it up each time and -tip it this way and that in the pink palm of her -hand. Three times she crooked her fingers over -the spring, but the pressure needed to open the -locket was not forthcoming.</p> - -<p>Suddenly Judith raised her eyes and scanned -the bedroom—the glass-topped dressing table -with its tortoise-shell, gold-initialed toilet set; the -tall chiffonnier on which lay her husband’s military -hair brushes and a framed photograph of -Judith; the <i>chaise longue</i> with its numerous soft -pillows, the comfortable chairs—Judith passed -them over with scant attention, and gazed at the -pictures on the walls, the draperies over the bow -window and its broad seat, which added much to -the attractiveness of her room, and lastly at a -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</span>small leather box resembling a Kodak. The box -was perched precariously near the edge of the -mantel shelf. Judith walked over to it, jerked up -the clasps and lifted the lid. She pushed aside -the contents of the box and placed the locket underneath -several coils of wire, then closing the -box, set it behind the mantel clock. An inspection -of the dial showed her that the hour hand was -about to register ten o’clock.</p> - -<p>The next moment Judith was seated before her -dressing table and unbraiding her hair. It -fell in a shower about her shoulders, the winter -sunshine picking out the hidden strains of gold -in its rich chestnut. A deep, deep sigh escaped -Judith as she stared at her reflection in the mirror. -It was a very lovely face that confronted -her, not one to call forth a sigh from the observer. -The delicately arched eyebrows, the tender, -sensitive mouth, the brilliancy of the deep -blue eyes—but enhanced by the shadows underneath -them,—the long lashes, and the small -shapely head all combined to win for Judith the -title of “belle” when introduced three years before -to Washington society.</p> - -<p>Judith’s popularity had been a matter of unbounded -gratification to her mother, whose ambition -for a titled son-in-law was thereby encouraged<span class="pagenum" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</span> -and dinned into her husband’s ears, to his -intense disgust, but in spite of his gruff reception -of her suggestions, Robert Hale had seen to it -that only the most eligible bachelors were invited -to their home. Judith had signally failed to encourage -any one of her many attentive cavaliers, -and when taken to task by her mother, had responded -that no man should be handicapped by a -deaf wife and that she did not intend to marry; a -statement which, in its quiet determination, had -staggered her mother.</p> - -<p>Judith had thrown herself heart and soul into -war work, and though not accepted for service -overseas on account of her deafness, she had won, -through her efficiency and knowledge of languages, -a position in the Department of State -carrying great responsibilities, and she had retired -from it, after the Armistice, with the commendation -of the Department’s highest officials.</p> - -<p>The hard work, the long hours, and the close -confinement indoors to one accustomed, as Judith -had been, to a life in the open, had resulted in a -nervous collapse, and Doctor McLane, their family -physician, had advised a complete change of -environment. The medical dictum had come on -the heels of a letter from the United States -Consul at Tokio and his wife, asking Judith to -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</span>make them a long promised visit, and within -forty-eight hours all details of her trip across the -continent with friends returning to their home in -San Francisco after two years’ war work in -Washington, had been arranged, and a cable was -sent to Mr. and Mrs. Noyes in Tokio, notifying -them to expect Judith on the next steamer.</p> - -<p>And in Tokio, two weeks after her arrival, -Judith had met Joseph Richards, major of the -—th Regiment, invalided home from arduous -service in Siberia with the A. E. F., and bearing -on his broad breast ribbons denoting Russian, -Japanese, and British decorations awarded for -valor.</p> - -<p>Richards had received a warm welcome in the -Noyes’ home, and his hostess, a born matchmaker, -was quick to observe his infatuation for Judith, -and did everything within her power to aid his -courtship.</p> - -<p>Judith strove to steel her heart to his ardent -pleading, but all to no purpose—youth called to -youth in a language familiar to every age, and in -the romantic background of the Land of the -Chrysanthemum they pledged their troth. A -week later they were married in the American -Consulate by a United States Navy chaplain, and -Mr. and Mrs. Noyes, looking backward over their -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</span>own well-ordered wedded life, wished them Godspeed -on their road to happiness.</p> - -<p>Happy days had followed, happier than any -Judith had known, for in spite of her brave attempt -to ignore her deafness and to show only a -contented front to the world, that very deafness -had built a barrier of reserve which even Judith’s -parents had never penetrated. But Richards, -whose deep love was a guide to a sympathetic -understanding of her shy and sensitive nature, -gained a devotion almost akin to worship as the -days sped on, and then came the summons home.</p> - -<p>With a faint shiver Judith straightened herself -in her chair, put down her hair brush and took up -the slender wire (in shape like those worn by -telephone operators, but much lighter and narrower) -attached to the earpiece of the “globia-phone,” -and slipped it over her head. It took -but a second to adjust the earpiece, and with deft -fingers she dressed her hair low on her neck and -covering her ears. The style was not only extremely -becoming, but completely hid the little -instrument held so snugly against her ear. It -took but a moment to complete her dressing, and -slipping the small battery of the “globia-phone” -inside her belt, she adjusted the lace jabot so that -its soft folds concealed but did not obscure the -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</span>sound-gathering part of the earphone, and with -one final look in the glass to make sure that her -becoming costume fitted perfectly, she turned -away just as a loud knock sounded on the boudoir -door. Judith laid her hand involuntarily on the -back of her chair, then, squaring her shoulders, -she walked across the room and unlocked the door -and faced her father’s secretary.</p> - -<p>“Polly!” The ejaculation was low-spoken -and Judith cast one searching look about the boudoir -before pulling the girl inside her bedroom -and closing the door. “Have you just come?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, I came right up here.” Polly Davis, -conscious that her knees were treacherously weak, -sank into the nearest chair, and Judith, in the uncompromising -glare of the morning sunlight, saw -in the girl’s upturned face the haggard lines which -care had brought overnight. Judith dropped on -her knees beside Polly and threw her arm protectingly -about her. They had been classmates -at a fashionable private school until the death of -Polly’s father had brought retrenchment and, -later, painful economies in its wake, so that she -was obliged to forsake her lessons for a clerkship.</p> - -<p>The change from affluence to poverty had produced -no alteration in the affection the two girls -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</span>bore each other, an affection on Judith’s part tempered -with responsibility, as Polly, her junior by -a few months, came frequently to her for advice—which -she seldom if ever followed. Polly’s -contact with the world had borne fruit in an embittered -outlook on life which in some degree -alienated her from her former friends, and she -had turned to Judith with the heart-hunger of a -nature thrown upon itself for woman’s companionship. -Polly’s dainty blond beauty and bright -vivacity had gained her lasting popularity with -men, but with her own sex she was generally -classed as “catty.”</p> - -<p>Judith was the first to speak. “Polly—what -can I say?” she stammered. “How comfort -you?”</p> - -<p>For answer the yellow head was dropped on -Judith’s shoulder and dry, tearless sobs racked -her slender body.</p> - -<p>“Hush! Hush!” exclaimed Judith, alarmed -by her agony. “Polly, Polly, remember——”</p> - -<p>“Remember!” Polly sat up as if stabbed. -“Oh, if I could only forget!” A violent shudder -shook her. Regaining her composure by degrees, -she finally straightened up. “There, the -storm is over,” and she dashed her hand across -her eyes. “Never allude to this again—promise<span class="pagenum" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</span> -me.” She spoke with vehemence, and Judith -laid a quieting hand on hers.</p> - -<p>“I give you my word never to speak of the -subject,” she pledged.</p> - -<p>“Not even to your husband?”</p> - -<p>“No, not even to Joe.” Her answer, although -prompt, held a note of reluctance.</p> - -<p>Polly’s smile was twisted. Opening her vanity -box, she inspected her face in its tiny mirror. A -faint shriek escaped her.</p> - -<p>“I’m a fright!” she ejaculated, and rising, -went over to Judith’s dressing table and proceeded -to powder her nose. Drawing out a box of -rouge, Polly applied some of it to her cheeks. -“There, that’s better.” She turned briskly and -looked at Judith. “Do you think your father -will discover it is not natural bloom?” she asked -flippantly.</p> - -<p>Judith’s answer was a stare; Polly’s transition -from grief to pert nonchalance was startling.</p> - -<p>“Father is not very well,” she replied slowly. -“Joe went to inquire for him just before breakfast -was announced, and Mother said he was -asleep and could not be disturbed.”</p> - -<p>Polly contemplated herself in the mirror. “I -am sorry,” she remarked, but her tone was perfunctory -and a brief silence followed. “Gracious,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</span> -it is nearly eleven o’clock. Judith, I must -fly; for your father left a pile of correspondence -in the den——”</p> - -<p>“Wait, Polly.” Judith, who had followed her -across the bedroom, laid her hand against the -door. “There is a question you must answer. -Were you—did you,” she stumbled in her -speech, “did you know that Austin was to return -here last night?”</p> - -<p>The rouge on Polly’s cheeks showed up plainly -against the dead whiteness of her skin.</p> - -<p>“I fail to see what business it is of yours -if I knew or did not know of Austin’s contemplated -return,” she replied, and before Judith -guessed her intention she had slipped under her -arm and bolted through the boudoir into the hall, -leaving Judith staring after her.</p> - -<p>The thick carpet deadened Polly’s flying footsteps -as she hurried to the den, a room set aside -for Robert Hale’s exclusive use. It adjoined his -bedroom, and there the scientist spent many hours -going carefully over his manuscripts and statistical -research work. It was in one sense a labor -of love for, thanks to the timely death of a relative, -he had inherited a large estate which brought -in its train a handsome income; he was, therefore, -not dependent upon a salaried position and could -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</span>indulge his whims and vagaries. And these same -whims and vagaries had, mingled with an unbridled -temper, made the post of secretary to the -eminent scientist no sinecure. Polly Davis had -secured the position through Judith’s influence, -and she had remained longer than the majority -of her predecessors, a fact which had won sarcastic -comments from Robert Hale and—nothing -more.</p> - -<p>Polly paused on reaching the middle of the den -and stared at the man seated with his back to -her, bending over Robert Hale’s flat-topped desk. -With infinite care he went over paper after paper, -and as he lifted his hands Polly saw that he was -wearing rubber gloves. With the instinct which -seems to warn of another’s presence, he partly -turned in his chair and gazed at the motionless -figure behind him. A constrained silence followed, -which John Hale was the first to break.</p> - -<p>“Why did you not go to Baltimore?” he -asked.</p> - -<p>Her reply was slow in coming.</p> - -<p>“I have altered my plans,” she stated, and, -crossing to her own desk, she dropped into the -revolving chair standing before it.</p> - -<p>John Hale watched her for an instant, and not -a detail of her appearance escaped him. There -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</span>was an ominous tightening of his lips, and he -lowered his gaze that she might not read its telltale -message. Without further comment he removed -his gloves, rolled them into a ball and -stuffed them in his pocket. In the lengthening -silence Polly’s eyes strayed to a pile of papers and -she swung the typewriter on its iron supporting-frame, -which was attached to her desk, toward -her.</p> - -<p>“Pardon me if I go on with my work.” Her -voice was cold and formal. Slowly John Hale -rose to his feet, and the bigness of the man filled -the small room. Polly looked only at her typewriter.</p> - -<p>“I am sorry I detained you.” His voice -matched hers in tone and quality.</p> - -<p>Polly raised her eyes and contemplated him. -“Did you find what you were looking for in -your brother’s desk, Mr. Hale?” she inquired.</p> - -<p>Hale’s answer was indirect. “Mr. Hale,” he -repeated. “Why not—John?”</p> - -<p>“No.”</p> - -<p>The finality of the monosyllable brought an -angry flush to John Hale’s bronzed cheeks, and -without another word he swung on his heel, only -to pause at the door and again address her.</p> - -<p>“Austin’s funeral will take place to-morrow,” -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</span>he announced, and the next second he was gone.</p> - -<p>Many minutes passed before Polly moved, then -rising, she walked over to Robert Hale’s desk and -went feverishly through his drawers, one question -uppermost in her mind—what had John Hale -been looking for? She had about completed her -self-imposed task when a voice over her shoulder -caused her to catch her breath.</p> - -<p>“Why are you searching among my husband’s -papers?” asked Mrs. Hale.</p> - -<p>Polly swung around in Robert Hale’s comfortable -chair.</p> - -<p>“How you startled me!” she confessed, with -a faint tinkling laugh, a laugh which had irritated -Mrs. Hale in the past. “Dear Mrs. Hale, how -noiselessly you move.”</p> - -<p>“Do I?” tartly.</p> - -<p>“I never heard you enter the room.” Polly -moved back to her own desk. “Your husband -must find you a perfect treasure when you are attending -him during his illness.”</p> - -<p>Mrs. Hale flushed and promptly forgot to utter -the sympathetic platitudes she had prepared when -on her way to find Polly. Austin Hale ever engaged -to such a chit of a girl? The idea was -unbelievable. And John, her staid, solemn -brother-in-law, in love with her! Mrs. Hale -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</span>snorted. Joe Richards should be given a piece -of her mind for putting such ideas in her head; -she would even speak to Judith about it.</p> - -<p>“Why were you going through my husband’s -papers?” she asked, and her manner in putting -the question was anything but agreeable. “I insist -upon an answer.”</p> - -<p>Polly’s eyes opened innocently. “Surely, Mrs. -Hale, the matter is not secret. I was looking for -a memorandum which your husband left for me. -It was about so square,”—demonstrating with -her fingers,—“on yellowish paper.”</p> - -<p>Polly, when moving her hands, dislodged a -package of papers and they fell to the floor. In -stooping to pick them up, she missed seeing Mrs. -Hale’s quick start and sudden change of color. -When she raised her head, she found Mrs. Hale’s -cold blue eyes were regarding her with disconcerting -intensity.</p> - -<p>“Was John in here a moment ago?” she asked, -and Polly was conscious of flushing hotly; the -question was unexpected.</p> - -<p>“Didn’t you see him leave, Mrs. Hale?” she -asked sweetly, and this time it was Mrs. Hale who -flushed. There were occasions when she actively -disliked her husband’s accomplished secretary.</p> - -<p>“I met him in the hall,” she explained coldly. -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</span>“But I was not sure whether he had just left -here or my husband’s bedroom. Please remember, -Polly, that Mr. Hale is ill and that the sound -of your typewriter carries into the next room.”</p> - -<p>“In that case”—Polly drew her chair closer -to her desk with a businesslike air and picked up -her pen—“I will write answers in long hand to -these business communications, unless you wish -something further”—and she waited in polite -expectancy.</p> - -<p>“I want nothing”—Mrs. Hale drew herself -up. “Kindly make as little noise as possible, -Polly. Above all, don’t let that telephone ring,” -pointing to the instrument which stood almost at -the girl’s elbow.</p> - -<p>“I shall be as quiet as possible,” Polly promised, -and Mrs. Hale, satisfied that she had made -Polly understand that she was capable of issuing -orders in her husband’s absence, walked toward -the hall door. Polly’s voice halted her as she -was on the point of leaving the room.</p> - -<p>“Is Mr. Hale very ill?” she asked.</p> - -<p>“No, oh, no,” Mrs. Hale spoke with positiveness. -“But Dr. McLane said that he was under -the effects of a sedative. I was in our bedroom -a moment ago and Robert was sound asleep. -Polly,”—she hesitated and fingered her hand bag—“if<span class="pagenum" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</span> -you come across a memorandum bearing -my name, be <i>sure</i> to let me see it,” and with a -whisk of her skirts she hastened away.</p> - -<p>Polly stared at the highly glazed surface of -Robert Hale’s expensive stationery and then at -her penholder. Suddenly she pitched the latter -from her and, rising, methodically searched the -entire room, taking care that her movements made -no noise.</p> - -<p>In his comfortable four-post bed in the darkened -room adjoining his den, Robert Hale smiled -to himself as he dragged the eider-down quilt up -about his ears and lay still. His daughter Judith -had not inherited his acute hearing.</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</span></p> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_V">CHAPTER V<br /> -<span class="smaller">MORE THEORIES</span></h2></div> - -<p class="no-indent"><span class="smcap"><span class="dropcap">R</span>ain</span> and snow followed by sleet had -reduced the traffic in the streets of the -Capital City to venturesome taxicabs -and occasional delivery cars. Few Washingtonians, -not required by necessity to venture out of -doors, were so unwise as to risk a fall on the -slippery pavements, and the generally gay thoroughfares -of the fashionable Northwest were deserted. -Weather-forecasters had announced in -the morning press that a decade had passed since -such a combination of ice and sleet had visited -the city so late in the winter.</p> - -<p>The small procession of automobiles returning -from Oak Hill Cemetery coasted its way with -care down the steep hills of Georgetown and along -the ice-covered asphalt. John Hale, the occupant -of the foremost car, pulled out his handkerchief -and mopped his face, which, in spite of the biting -north wind and the zero weather, was damp with -perspiration.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</span></p> - -<p>“Thank God!” he muttered rather than spoke. -“That is over.” He turned and scowled at his -companion. “Well, Frank, haven’t you anything -to say?”</p> - -<p>Frank Latimer, who had been studying his -friend in silence, roused himself.</p> - -<p>“It was a trying ordeal,” he remarked gravely, -“and like you, I am relieved that the funeral is -over. Poor Austin!”</p> - -<p>John Hale winced. “Don’t!” he exclaimed. -“Suppose we leave the—the laments to my sister-in-law, -Agatha.”</p> - -<p>Latimer nodded sympathetically. “She made -an exhibition of herself in the chapel,” he acknowledged. -“I had no idea that she was so -attached to Austin. In fact,”—Latimer lowered -his voice to confidential tones—“I’ve always understood -that she opposed a marriage between -Judith and Austin.”</p> - -<p>“And quite rightly,” Hale’s voice rang out -sharply. “Judith is a splendid type of young -womanhood, while——” He checked his impetuous speech. -“I opposed the match, also.”</p> - -<p>“So I recall.” Latimer offered his cigarette -case to his friend. His chubby face wore a -troubled expression. “Agatha Hale is a bit of a -trial, old man; let’s forget her.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</span></p> - -<p>“I wish I could,” with gloomy fervor. “Why -Robert ever picked out such a piece of contrariness -I never could understand; one moment your -friend, the next against you—and emotional!” -His tone spoke volumes. “While Robert——” -He smiled wryly and Latimer finished the sentence.</p> - -<p>“Is the most unemotional of men,” he agreed. -“Judith is more like you, John, than like either -of her parents.”</p> - -<p>Hale moved uneasily and changed the conversation -with some abruptness as the car drove up -to the curb and stopped before his brother’s residence.</p> - -<p>“I’m much obliged to you, Frank, for bringing -me home,” he said, preparing to spring out as -the chauffeur opened the door. “I don’t think I -could have stood driving back in the same car with -Agatha and Judith. Won’t you come in with -me?”</p> - -<p>“I can’t, thanks; I have an appointment,” Latimer -responded. “I’ll see you later perhaps at -the club. Eh, what the——”</p> - -<p>The ejaculation was wrung from him by John -Hale’s sudden clutch on his arm and before he -quite realized what was happening he found himself -propelled out of the car. Once on the sidewalk<span class="pagenum" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</span> -the little stockbroker turned to his big companion -in wrathful bewilderment. The explanation -John Hale offered for his precipitous action -was given under his breath, and Jackson, the -chauffeur, failed to hear it as he climbed back in -his seat and, obedient to a signal from his employer, -shut off his engine.</p> - -<p>“That damn bounder from Police Headquarters -is waiting for an interview, Frank.” John -Hale indicated one of the library windows overlooking -the street where Latimer saw a man peering -out from behind the curtains. “I had entirely -forgotten that Detective Ferguson telephoned -and asked me to see him this afternoon. -I want you to be present.”</p> - -<p>The urgency of his tone silenced Latimer’s -objections, and without a word he accompanied -him into the house, Anna, the waitress, holding -the front door hospitably open for them. Almost -tossing his fur-lined overcoat and hat into -the servant’s arms, John Hale strode at once into -the library, and Latimer, pausing only long -enough to put down his hat and cane on the hall -table, followed him, forgetting in his interest that -he had not removed his overcoat.</p> - -<p>At the sound of their footsteps Detective -Ferguson stepped away from the window-alcove -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</span>where he had been a witness of their arrival. -John Hale’s curt greeting and Latimer’s short -nod caused him to redden; he was not accustomed -to such outward display of contempt, for so he -interpreted their manner.</p> - -<p>“What can I do for you, Ferguson?” asked -John Hale, signing to the detective to draw up -a chair as he threw himself down on a lounge. -“Sit down, Frank,” and he turned again to the -detective, as the latter remained silent, with an -impatient “Well?”</p> - -<p>“You can answer a few questions, sir,” replied -Ferguson.</p> - -<p>John Hale lifted his broad shoulders in a contemptuous -shrug.</p> - -<p>“I have already shown great patience in that -line,” he remarked dryly.</p> - -<p>“Pardon me; you have answered a few questions -most impatiently,” retorted Ferguson. His -temper was rising and rapidly overcoming discretion. -Instead of an angry rejoinder, John -Hale gave a short laugh.</p> - -<p>“Well, go on, what are your questions?” he -asked. “Remember that we have just come from -my stepson’s funeral, and,”—he cleared his -throat before continuing—“I—have been under -a severe strain.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</span></p> - -<p>“True, sir; I promise not to be long.” Ferguson -hitched his chair nearer the two men. “It is -in regard to the funeral that I desire to speak. -I was told by Coroner Penfield that you had requested -that Austin Hale’s body be cremated.”</p> - -<p>“Well?” questioned John Hale as Ferguson -paused.</p> - -<p>“Why did you make that request, Mr. Hale?”</p> - -<p>“Because I believe in cremation,” promptly.</p> - -<p>“Were you not aware that Austin’s body could -not be cremated until after the mystery of his -murder had been solved?”</p> - -<p>“No, I am not a lawyer.”</p> - -<p>“One does not have to be a lawyer to know -that such a request would be refused,” replied -Ferguson.</p> - -<p>Again John Hale shrugged his shoulders. -“The request was perfectly reasonable,” he declared.</p> - -<p>“Under normal conditions, yes,” dryly. -“Why did you make it?”</p> - -<p>John Hale’s raised eyebrows indicated annoyance -at the detective’s persistence. “I have already -told you,” he stated. “It is hardly necessary -to repeat that I believe in cremation.”</p> - -<p>“And the absolute destruction of the body, so -that no further medical examination could be -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</span>made if the need arose?” Ferguson smiled skeptically. -“Now, honestly, did you really think -such a request would get by?”</p> - -<p>John Hale controlled his temper with an effort. -“An autopsy had already been held and the cause -of Austin’s death determined,” he pointed out, -and then, addressing his silent companion, -“What was McLane’s exact definition, Frank?”</p> - -<p>Latimer took out his notebook and turned its -pages until he came to an entry.</p> - -<p>“Dr. McLane stated that Austin died as the -result of a chest wound, and that death was instantaneous, -as the weapon penetrated to the -heart, or words to that effect,” he added and replaced -the notebook in his pocket, as John Hale -again addressed the detective.</p> - -<p>“You see, Ferguson, the autopsy told the cause -of death; therefore my request was not only -natural, believing, as I do, in cremation, but -reasonable.” He leaned back and regarded the -detective with candid eyes. “That it was not -granted was the unreasonable feature of the -case.”</p> - -<p>Ferguson was slow in replying. “That you -were advised to have the body placed in the receiving -vault at the cemetery shows how your request -was regarded by the authorities, Mr. Hale,” -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</span>he remarked, and Latimer broke into the discussion.</p> - -<p>“Come, come,” he remonstrated. “You go -too far in your zeal, Ferguson. The ground is -hard frozen and no graves can be dug; therefore -all bodies are being placed in the receiving vaults -until the weather moderates.”</p> - -<p>“Maybe so,” Ferguson’s smile was non-committal. -“But—your request came very pat, -Mr. Hale, and—it didn’t make a hit with Headquarters.”</p> - -<p>John Hale straightened his powerful figure. -“I don’t care a damn how it hit Headquarters!” -he declared, and his voice rose in angry accents. -“If this is all you wish with me, we may as well -cut short our interview; my time is valuable.”</p> - -<p>“And so is mine, sir,” retorted Ferguson with -equal heat. “How much longer am I going to -be prevented from seeing your brother, Mr. Robert -Hale?”</p> - -<p>“Depends on how long it takes you to turn -your head,” remarked a voice back of the three -men, and with one accord they spun around. -Robert Hale was occupying his favorite chair and -he met their stares with one of mild surprise.</p> - -<p>“How long have you been in the room?” demanded -John Hale.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</span></p> - -<p>His brother looked at the clock on the mantel. -“A bare thirty seconds,” he answered. “You -were so absorbed in conversation that I hesitated -to interrupt you. When this gentleman”—with -a motion of his hand toward Ferguson—“asked -in such impassioned tones for a sight of me, I -could not refrain from announcing my presence.”</p> - -<p>“But”—John Hale bent forward and stared -earnestly at his brother—“Dr. McLane said that -you were to remain in bed, that you were too -weak——”</p> - -<p>Hale interrupted him with a snap of his fingers. -“That for McLane’s diagnosis,” he said. -“I am a bit weak, but staying in bed won’t cure -that complaint, so I dressed myself and came -downstairs. Where is Agatha?”</p> - -<p>“She’s out,” tersely.</p> - -<p>“So Anna informed me when I met her in the -hall.” Hale swung his chair around to the left -so as to face them more directly. “Anna also -said that Judith was out and that Polly Davis was -not in the house? Why is every one out? -Why”—with a quick impatient gesture—“is -there such a funereal air about the house?”</p> - -<p>John Hale groaned inwardly and wasted a bitter -ejaculation on his sister-in-law. Why had -Agatha postponed telling her husband of Austin’s<span class="pagenum" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</span> -death? What if McLane had advised keeping -the tragic news from him—if he was strong -enough to dress himself unassisted and walk about -the house, he had been strong enough to be told -of the events of the past forty-eight hours. But -it had now fallen to his lot to do so—it was -generally his lot to be the harbinger of bad news -in the family. John Hale’s mouth set in grim -lines.</p> - -<p>“There has been a funeral in the house,” he announced -with characteristic bluntness. “Austin -died Tuesday night.”</p> - -<p>“Austin!” Hale sat bolt upright and regarded -his brother; suddenly he sank back in his -chair and his head sagged forward on his chest.</p> - -<p>“Good Lord!” John Hale leaped to his feet -but Latimer was before him in reaching his -brother’s side.</p> - -<p>“Some water—wine!” he called, and Ferguson -bolted from the room in search of Anna, the -waitress. He found her polishing silver in the -dining room and at his breathless request she -filled a glass with ice water and thrust it in his -hand. Ferguson reached the library just as Latimer -forced some cognac between Hale’s bloodless -lips.</p> - -<p>“He will revive in a minute,” he said, laying -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</span>down the flask which John Hale, recovering his -dazed wits, had taken from a cabinet in one corner -of the library where his brother kept some -wine secreted. “His pulse is better now—there,” -as the powerful stimulant took effect. -“He is coming to. Here, take a sip of this,” -and Latimer snatched the glass of water out of -Ferguson’s hand. Hale, his eyelids fluttering, -drank slowly as Latimer tilted the glass gently -against his lips.</p> - -<p>With an effort Hale jerked himself erect and -then leaned back, pushing aside, as he did so, -Latimer’s supporting hand.</p> - -<p>“I’m all right,” he protested weakly. “Just -over-estimated my strength—wait.”</p> - -<p>In the ensuing silence Detective Ferguson -studied Robert Hale attentively; it was the first -time he had seen the scientist at close quarters. -There was something effeminate in Hale’s good -looks and, in spite of his gray hair, Ferguson put -him down in his estimation as belonging to the -“pretty boy type.” The impression was enhanced -by the stalwart appearance of John Hale; -the brothers were in striking contrast, both in -physical build and in mental equipment—one had -achieved fame in his chosen profession, while the -other had made a bare living as the result of hard -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</span>work. Ferguson’s lips curled in contempt; the -small, slight, middle-aged man was hardly an impressive -figure.</p> - -<p>Suddenly Robert Hale reached for the flask and -Latimer gave it to him. Tilting his head -backward, Hale took a long swallow, then -laid the flask carefully on the table within easy -reach.</p> - -<p>“Now, John,” he began, “tell me of Austin.”</p> - -<p>“I should have broken the news more gently,” -John Hale spoke with contrition. “I should -have remembered that you and Austin were great -pals.”</p> - -<p>His brother passed his hand across his lips. -“We were—” He paused abruptly and did -not complete his sentence. “Come, don’t be -afraid, I have myself in hand; tell me the details.”</p> - -<p>John Hale looked dubiously at Latimer and the -latter nodded his encouragement. “Go ahead, -tell him the whole story,” he advised. “It’s -worse to keep him in suspense.”</p> - -<p>“Austin died on Tuesday night,” John Hale -stated, choosing his words with care, “to be exact, -some time on Wednesday morning. He was -stabbed to death.”</p> - -<p>“Stabbed!” Hale’s hand stole toward the -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</span>flask, then was withdrawn. “Stabbed by -whom?”</p> - -<p>“We don’t know.”</p> - -<p>“Oh!” Robert Hale’s color was returning -slowly. “Where was Austin murdered?”</p> - -<p>“Here.”</p> - -<p>“Here?” The repetition was parrotlike.</p> - -<p>“Yes, here.” Ferguson took a step forward -and for the first time joined in the conversation.</p> - -<p>Hale turned and regarded him in silence, then -looked inquiringly at Latimer.</p> - -<p>“This is Detective Ferguson of the Central -Office,” he explained. “He is detailed to investigate -the mystery surrounding Austin’s death.”</p> - -<p>Hale placed his elbow on the table and leaned -his head on his hand.</p> - -<p>“And what have you discovered, Inspector?” -he asked.</p> - -<p>“Nothing.” Ferguson, flattered by the title, -spoke with courteous promptness. “I have been -waiting to interview you, Mr. Hale, as to what -transpired here on Tuesday night.”</p> - -<p>“Tuesday?” Hale reflected a moment. -“Let me see, I was taken ill with the ‘flu’ last -Friday, and I have not been up and about until -this morning. You will have to ask others in -my household for information.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</span></p> - -<p>“I have,” Ferguson made no effort to conceal -his disappointment over his failure to elicit news. -“And every one declares nothing out of the ordinary -was either heard or seen.”</p> - -<p>“Tuesday night,” repeated Robert Hale -thoughtfully. “Tuesday night—why, John, -you went in my stead with Agatha to the French -Embassy reception; did Judith accompany you?”</p> - -<p>“No, she stayed at home,” John Hale explained. -“She said she had a headache.”</p> - -<p>“And her husband?” inquired his brother.</p> - -<p>“Major Richards? Oh, he had a business engagement -at the club.” John Hale pulled forward -a chair and sat down, the interview threatened -to grow protracted. “It was Joe who found -Austin on his return.”</p> - -<p>“Joe found him!” Robert Hale glanced upward -and Latimer started at the sudden flash in -his dark eyes—eyes which until that moment -had seemed dull, almost dead, in their lusterless -expression. “Well, what then?”</p> - -<p>“Joe called in the police,” John Hale continued. -“And to-day we are no nearer detecting -the criminal or discovering the motive for the -crime than we were at that hour.”</p> - -<p>“Give us a chance, Mr. Hale,” protested -Ferguson. “This is the first time I’ve seen you,” -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</span>turning to the elder brother. “There’s some information -you must give, if Mr. John Hale -won’t.”</p> - -<p>“Play fair, Ferguson,” objected John Hale. -“I have never refused——”</p> - -<p>“Be quiet, John.” Robert Hale spoke with -authority. “As the head of the house I will attend -to this investigation.”</p> - -<p>He was interrupted by a slight scream from the -hall. The next instant the portières were pulled -aside and Mrs. Hale hurried toward him.</p> - -<p>“Robert, you are really downstairs—and -Anna did not lie,” she commenced incoherently. -“Do you not know that you are jeopardizing——”</p> - -<p>“Quiet, Agatha”—Robert Hale let his wife -clasp his hand in both of hers, and Detective -Ferguson, watching the scene with interest, was -again impressed with the quality of his voice. -Rich in tone, softly modulated, it almost caressed -the ear, and Hale’s faultless pronunciation added -to the soothing effect. “Where is Judith?”</p> - -<p>“Taking off her wraps. She will be here -shortly.” Mrs. Hale seldom completed her sentences -when excited. “We have just returned -from—”</p> - -<p>“I can guess”—Hale eyed her mourning and -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</span>her reddened eyelids. “John has told me of Austin’s -death.” He patted her hand gently, sympathetically; -then before she could speak, addressed -the detective. “You said you wished to question -me; kindly do so.”</p> - -<p>Ferguson pushed forward a chair for Mrs. -Hale near her husband and, drawing out his notebook, -chose a seat near the table.</p> - -<p>“When did you last see Austin Hale?” he -asked.</p> - -<p>“Before he left for New York six weeks ago.”</p> - -<p>“Did you expect him to return on Tuesday -night?”</p> - -<p>“No.”</p> - -<p>“Was Austin in financial difficulties?”</p> - -<p>“Not to my knowledge.” Robert Hale -addressed his brother. “How about it, -John?”</p> - -<p>“I never heard of his having financial difficulties,” -the latter replied, his attention partly diverted -by Mrs. Hale; she had an annoying habit -of biting her nails whenever perturbed in mind, -and the gnawing sound, slight as it was, was getting -on her brother-in-law’s nerves. She met his -glare with a fixed stare, totally unconscious of the -cause of his wrath.</p> - -<p>“Was Austin in love?” inquired Ferguson, his -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</span>fountain pen flying over the paper, jotting down -questions and answers.</p> - -<p>Robert Hale laughed faintly. “Does a kitten -play?” he asked. “John, you are better qualified -to answer that question than I; Austin was -your”—he paused—“stepson.”</p> - -<p>“And my adopted son, as well,” John Hale -amplified his brother’s statement. “If Austin -intended to marry, I was not his confidant, and, -therefore, am unable”—his manner grew stiff -and formal—“to give you any information on -the subject.”</p> - -<p>Ferguson frowned in perplexity. The antagonism -between the brothers was plainly discernible -and Frank Latimer, instinctively aware of -which way the detective’s thoughts were turning, -grew uncomfortably warm and conscious that he -was still wearing his heavy overcoat.</p> - -<p>Had Ferguson learned of the frequent disputes -between the brothers, which had at different -times kept their Washington friends in constant -dread of their quarrels developing into actual -conflict?</p> - -<p>“Is it your custom to keep your safe unlocked, -Mr. Hale?” asked Ferguson, breaking -the short silence.</p> - -<p>“No.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</span></p> - -<p>“Are you aware that it was open on Tuesday -night?”</p> - -<p>Hale picked up the flask of cognac, eyed it a -moment, then laid it down again before answering.</p> - -<p>“No.”</p> - -<p>“Has any one besides you the combination?”</p> - -<p>“No.”</p> - -<p>The detective watched Hale closely. Was his -use of monosyllables due to physical weakness, -to a naturally taciturn disposition, or to a desire -to conceal information? Ferguson sighed impatiently -and resumed his examination with the -point still undecided in his mind.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Hale,”—he spoke with growing impressiveness—“I -found Austin Hale lying dead in -this room on Wednesday morning—he was lying -within a few feet of your open safe. The door -had not been forced; therefore it must have been -opened by some one having the combination.” -He paused and the silence lengthened; abruptly -he broke it. “Please examine your safe, Mr. -Hale, and see if any money or documents are -missing.”</p> - -<p>“Wait, Robert.” The caution came from -Mrs. Hale, and her husband looked at her with -marked displeasure. For the moment he had -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</span>forgotten her presence. “You must not overexert -yourself,” she continued. “Let me look in -the safe?”</p> - -<p>Robert Hale was on his feet before she had finished -speaking.</p> - -<p>“Don’t worry about me,” he exclaimed tartly. -“I know what I am about, Agatha,” and he -walked somewhat unsteadily over to the safe, the -others following until they grouped themselves -about him as he knelt down. There was a distinct -pause as he fumbled with the dial.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Hale’s anxiety grew—would her husband -never get the door open? She was again about to -intercede as she noted the paleness of his face -and his heavy breathing, but the door suddenly -swung open and the remonstrance remained unspoken.</p> - -<p>Pushing his heavy gray hair off his forehead, -Hale moved closer to the safe, and without haste -examined every compartment, then, supported by -his attentive wife, he rose painfully to his feet -and dropped into a chair.</p> - -<p>“My papers and my wife’s jewelry are intact,” -he stated.</p> - -<p>Ferguson replaced his fountain pen and memorandum -pad in his pocket.</p> - -<p>“That settles it,” he declared. “Robbery was -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</span>not the motive. The murder of Austin Hale was -an inside job——”</p> - -<p>“You are wrong,” John Hale’s voice rang out -loudly and echoed through the large room. -“Robbery was the motive.”</p> - -<p>“Indeed!” Ferguson’s eyes snapped with excitement. -Was he to learn something tangible at -last. “What was stolen?”</p> - -<p>“Austin owned a valuable antique watch.” -John Hale spoke slowly, impressively, checking -off each word on his finger. “He always carried -it—it was almost a fetish with him. The watch -is missing.”</p> - -<p>Concealed by the portières, Judith Richards -leaned limply against the door-jamb of the library -and only Anna, the waitress, passing through the -hall, heard her astounded gasp, followed by a low -moan.</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</span></p> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_VI">CHAPTER VI<br /> -<span class="smaller">SPECULATION</span></h2></div> - -<p class="no-indent"><span class="smcap"><span class="dropcap">I</span>t</span> was lacking twenty minutes of noon and -Polly Davis frowned discontentedly as she -consulted her wrist-watch. She was under -positive instructions from Robert Hale to complete -the compilation of data given to her the week -before. Hale’s cramped and peculiar style of -penmanship was difficult to read at any time, and -with her thoughts wandering far afield, Polly -found her task more irksome than usual.</p> - -<p>Swiftly her fingers moved over the familiar -typewriter keys and with mechanical exactness -she copied—copied, pausing now and then to -decipher a nearly unintelligible paragraph, until -she came to the end of the manuscript notes. But -her sigh of relief changed to a swift, disgusted -ejaculation as, dragging the last sheet out of the -typewriter she discovered that she had carelessly -reversed the carbon and that the second copy, -intended for Hale’s files, was blank. The impression, -which should have been on it, was -stamped, instead, on the back of the top sheet.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</span></p> - -<p>With a gesture of rage she crumpled the sheet -in her hand and hurled it into the scrap basket. -In its flight the paper ball just missed striking -Anna, the waitress, whose noiseless entry a second -before had escaped her attention. At sight of -the servant Polly lowered her hand, still raised -after flinging the paper ball, and her features -relaxed to their wonted expression.</p> - -<p>“I did not mean to bombard you, Anna,” she -apologized. “Would you mind moving the scrap -basket over here where it will be more handy? -Thanks,” as the servant complied with her request. -“Any letters for Mr. Hale?”</p> - -<p>“The postman hasn’t brought the second mail -yet, Miss Polly.” Anna unfolded a small card -table and stood it in front of Polly. “I hope you -don’t mind having your luncheon a little earlier -to-day, miss. The Madam gave me this afternoon -off to go to the movies.”</p> - -<p>“Mind? Well, hardly, I’m ravenous,” and -Polly brightened as Anna put a well-laden tray -before her. “You are quite a movie fan, Anna; -what are you going to see to-day?”</p> - -<p>“‘The Official Chaperon.’” Anna poured out -a steaming cup of tea and deftly supplied the proper -amount of cream and sugar. “They say it -is a thriller.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</span></p> - -<p>“The title is a little more sedate than ‘Without -Sin,’” acknowledged Polly laughing. “I believe -that was the last movie you told me of seeing; -perhaps the new one won’t give you a nightmare.”</p> - -<p>Anna colored. She was sensitive about the -scene she had created ten days before when her -screams had awakened the household from sound -slumber and brought forth a severe scolding from -Mrs. Hale on the subject of attending trashy -plays. Robert Hale had interfered in time to -prevent Anna, whose red hair was indicative of -her hasty temper, from giving notice, to the relief -of the other members of the family who liked -the silent, well-trained servant.</p> - -<p>“‘The Official Chaperon’ is a dandy,” she declared -stoutly. “’Least so the papers say. It’s -about a society girl who is under the hypnotic influence -of a rascal, miss, a regular rascal—he -even makes her commit murder.”</p> - -<p>Anna brought out the last word with such intensity -that Polly actually jumped.</p> - -<p>“I see you are in for another nightmare,” she -said, but the smile accompanying her banter was -fleeting. “Isn’t Mr. Austin’s murder terrible -enough without harrowing your soul with further -tragedies?”</p> - -<p>Before replying Anna removed the cover of -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</span>the toast dish and placed its tempting contents almost -directly under Polly’s nose.</p> - -<p>“It’s terrible, miss; so terrible that I want to -forget it.”</p> - -<p>Polly’s laugh did not ring quite true. “You -take an odd way to do so,” she remarked. -“However, Anna, go and see the hypnotic movie -murder, and my blessings go with you.”</p> - -<p>Anna regarded the tray critically for an instant -without moving. “You are not eating, -miss,” she remonstrated. “I don’t know what -I’ll do with you and Miss Judith.”</p> - -<p>Polly laid down her fork. She had been -merely toying with the salad on the plate before -her.</p> - -<p>“Has Miss Judith lost her appetite?” she -asked.</p> - -<p>“Yes, miss.” Anna stepped nearer and spoke -more rapidly. “Miss Judith appears sort of—of -in a trance, like.”</p> - -<p>“Trance!” Anna had no occasion to complain -of inattention. Polly was regarding the -girl’s comely face with deep interest. For the -first time she observed the dark lines under the -large eyes and saw that the soft cream-tint of -Anna’s perfect complexion, which she had frequently -envied in the past, was an unhealthy -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</span>white. “Trance,” she repeated. “What do you -mean, Anna?”</p> - -<p>“Exactly that, miss.” Anna spoke with positiveness. -“She moves as if she was in a dream. -She don’t eat, don’t talk, and I don’t believe she -sleeps.”</p> - -<p>“Dear me!” Polly bit viciously into a piece -of chocolate cake. “Well, it is not surprising, -Anna, that Miss Judith is upset. She and Mr. -Austin were very fond of each other.”</p> - -<p>“Until he wished to marry her,” was Anna’s -shrewd retort. “Oh, we servants aren’t blind, -miss.”</p> - -<p>“No, worse luck!” The low-spoken ejaculation -escaped Polly unawares, and she bit her lip. -Apparently it was not overheard, for Anna made -no comment, and Polly asked in haste, “How did -you know that Mr. Austin desired to marry Miss -Judith? You were not here at that time.”</p> - -<p>“No, miss; but when the cablegram came telling -of Miss Judith’s unexpected marriage to -Major Richards, cook told me all about Mr. -Austin’s courtship, and how Mr. Hale encouraged -him. It was common gossip, miss, not only -below stairs but in society as well.” Seeing that -Polly had about completed her hastily eaten meal, -Anna rearranged the tray, preparatory to carrying<span class="pagenum" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</span> -it away. “You weren’t here then either, -miss, were you?”</p> - -<p>“N—no.” Polly folded her napkin in its -exact creases with due regard to detail. “Don’t -worry about Miss Judith, she will be all right as -soon as the shock of Mr. Austin’s death wears -off.”</p> - -<p>“Will she, miss?” Anna’s tone expressed -doubt. She lifted the tray, thought a moment, -replaced it, and walked to Polly’s side. “Do -you think Miss Judith’s quite happy in her marriage?”</p> - -<p>“What!” Polly stared at her questioner in -blank astonishment “She and her husband are -ideally happy.”</p> - -<p>“Are they, miss?” Anna shook a puzzled -head, then bent until her lips almost touched -Polly’s ear. “Major Richards came home from -Mr. Austin’s funeral just in time for dinner, and -went out immediately after—and—he didn’t -return until about six this morning.”</p> - -<p>“How do you know?” demanded Polly. Her -voice was sharp.</p> - -<p>“I let him in, miss.” Anna picked up the tray -and poised for flight. “The Major said he had -mislaid his latchkey.”</p> - -<p>Polly regarded the waitress as she crossed the -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</span>room, with critical eyes. In spite of the heavy -glass-topped tray, Anna walked with ease, her fine -upright carriage had frequently been commented -upon admiringly by Mrs. Hale’s dinner guests.</p> - -<p>Polly turned back to her typewriter with renewed -distaste. A glance at her watch showed -that it was after one o’clock. For some minutes -she sat in indecision. Then, tossing her papers -into the drawer, she covered her machine and -went home.</p> - -<p>She had been gone a bare ten minutes when the -door opened and Robert Hale stepped into the -den. On catching sight of the empty chair in -front of the typewriter, he frowned, and, going -over to the machine, lifted its leather cover. A -glance at its empty roll brought a shrug of the -shoulders, which was repeated when he looked at -his watch. Without sitting down he scanned the -furniture and the scrap basket finally caught his -eye.</p> - -<p>Dropping into Polly’s chair, he picked up the -basket and examined the pieces of torn envelopes, -then the ball of paper claimed his attention and -he smoothed it out. He read the typewritten -words listlessly at first, then with slowly increasing -interest, and finally folded the sheet with care -and slipped it inside his pocket. Five minutes -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</span>later he was smoking placidly in his favorite chair -in the library.</p> - -<p>Judith’s lack of appetite which had so distressed -Anna, the waitress, persisted, and during -luncheon she partook of only one hot roll and -sipped a cup of tea. Mrs. Hale, loquacious as -ever, paid no attention to the curt responses of -both her husband and daughter, and carried on a -lengthy conversation, much to her own satisfaction -and the secret enjoyment of Maud, the parlor -maid, who, in Anna’s absence, was serving -luncheon unaided.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Hale’s volatile nature had thrown off the -depression of the past two days and, after the -funeral services in the mortuary chapel of Oak -Hill Cemetery, she had recovered from her inclination -to hysteria and was, to all intents and -purposes, her normal self again. At least, so the -servants had concluded from her excessive interest -in housekeeping affairs.</p> - -<p>Not waiting for the dessert to be passed, -Judith pushed back her chair and rose.</p> - -<p>“If you will excuse me, Mother,” she said, “I -will try to get a nap; I did not sleep very well -last night.”</p> - -<p>Her father regarded her with concern. “My -dear child!” he exclaimed, startled by her pallor, -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</span>“you look completely used up. Agatha, what do -you mean by permitting Judith to get up this -morning? She needs entire rest.”</p> - -<p>“Well, really, Robert,”—Mrs. Hale flushed; -her husband seldom addressed her in that tone—“Judith -has a husband to look after her; I,” -primly, “don’t interfere.”</p> - -<p>The carmine rose in Judith’s white cheeks, then -receded, leaving them whiter than before. There -was a perceptible pause before she spoke.</p> - -<p>“There is no cause for interference, Mother,” -she protested. “Joe insisted upon my remaining -in bed to-day, but I disobeyed him.”</p> - -<p>Robert Hale laid down the cigar he was about -to light and again regarded her.</p> - -<p>“Where was Joe last night?” he inquired, and -at the question Judith stiffened.</p> - -<p>“He had to motor to Baltimore on business,” -she explained. “In returning, his chauffeur -drove recklessly and they met with an accident, -so that Joe never reached home until about six -o’clock this morning.”</p> - -<p>“So Anna told me.” Hale was looking at his -cigar and not at his daughter. “Hard on Joe to -be sleepless for three nights running. When he -comes in ask him to look me up.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, Father.” Judith had taken a few steps -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</span>toward the entrance to the central hall, when her -mother’s shrill voice reached her.</p> - -<p>“Why isn’t Joe here for luncheon?” she asked.</p> - -<p>“He is lunching with friends at the Alibi -Club.” Judith laid one hand on the portière -nearest her and, turning, faced her parents. -“Why are you so interested in Joe’s whereabouts?”</p> - -<p>“What a question?” Hale laughed lightly. -“We are interested in everything which concerns -you, Judith; and surely your husband is of paramount -importance. Run along, dearest, and get -that needed sleep,” and, rising, Hale crossed the -room and kissed her. The lips which Judith -barely touched to his were cold, and without another -word she hastened to her room.</p> - -<p>Hale stood in the doorway gazing thoughtfully -into space; and his expression gained in seriousness. -“<i>The</i> Alibi,” he muttered. “Bah! <i>an</i> -alibi.”</p> - -<p>Once in her bedroom, Judith locked the communicating -door between it and her boudoir; thus -secured from interruption, she paced up and down -her room, her footfall on the heavy carpet making -no sound. Back and forth, back and forth—utter -physical fatigue finally caused her to drop -into a chair.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</span></p> - -<p>But while soft upholstery brought rest to her -tired body, it gave no mental relief. What had -come over her to lie—lie—lie—she, who had -been brought up by her New England grandmother -to abominate even the “delicate” white -lie of society. And she had lied, not to an outsider, -but to her father and mother, and lied -about her husband.</p> - -<p>Judith drew a long breath. She had “explained” -Richards’ absence by drawing on her -imagination. In reality she had no knowledge -where he had gone after dinner the night before. -She had pretended to be asleep when he came in -at nearly seven in the morning and thrown himself -on the outside of the bed. He had slept the -sleep of utter exhaustion, and she had forborne -to wake him, had forborne to question him when -he finally awoke—and he had volunteered no -explanation. He had not returned for luncheon, -having left her with the remark that a stroll down -town would freshen him up—and that was all.</p> - -<p>A few bitter tears forced themselves under -Judith’s closed eyelids; it was the first rift in their -happy married life. His manner had been affectionate, -tender, but——</p> - -<p>Judith dashed her hand across her eyes and -rose. It took her but a short time to change her -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</span>house gown for a becoming suit. She was about -to leave the room when a thought struck her. -Going over to the mantel, she opened the small -leather box and took from under its coiled wires -the locket which had so engrossed her attention -on Wednesday morning. She balanced the -locket in her hand in indecision, then, closing the -box, she went to her bureau and from its upper -drawer took out a jewel box, opened it, and -dropped the locket among the other pieces of -jewelry the box contained, locked it, and put the -box back in place inside the drawer.</p> - -<p>On her way to the front door Judith encountered -her mother and was promptly stopped.</p> - -<p>“Judith!” Mrs. Hale’s accents indicated a -crescendo of astonishment. “My dear, didn’t -you hear your father say that you were to go to -bed?”</p> - -<p>“Now, Mother, please”—Judith placed her -finger lightly against Mrs. Hale’s rouged lips. -“Not another word. As you said at luncheon, -I am a married woman now, and—I know best.” -Before Mrs. Hale could frame another remonstrance, -she had run out of the front door and -sprung into her electric car and driven off.</p> - -<p>Traffic regulations prevented Judith from parking -her car in front of the tall office building -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</span>where “Latimer and House,” had their stock-brokerage -office, and she was obliged to walk -almost a block, a distance which she covered in -record time and arrived, somewhat breathless, in -the anteroom of that firm. At her request to see -the senior partner, she was at once taken to Frank -Latimer’s private office. With characteristic -directness she plunged at once into her errand.</p> - -<p>“I have come to see you on business, Frank,” -she began, taking the chair his clerk placed for -her. “Confidential business.”</p> - -<p>Latimer signed to his clerk to withdraw and -then turned to her.</p> - -<p>“Anything I can do?” he asked. “I am entirely -at your service, Judith.”</p> - -<p>“Thanks.” Judith’s quick smile enhanced her -beauty, and Latimer regarded her with admiration. -He and her Uncle John had been her pals -since the days when she wore short frocks. “I -want your advice about some bonds, Frank.”</p> - -<p>“Surely.” Latimer drew a pad and pencil -toward him. “Have you decided on your investment?”</p> - -<p>“I am not going to buy—I wish to sell.”</p> - -<p>“Oh!” Latimer showed his surprise, but she -gave him no opportunity to say anything further.</p> - -<p>“How much would ten one hundred dollar -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</span>bonds of the Troy Valve Company bring?” she -asked.</p> - -<p>Latimer again glanced at her in surprise. -“They are selling above par,” he said. “Wait”—and -he consulted a printed table of figures—“to -be exact, 125-1/2—they fell off a point in -yesterday’s market.”</p> - -<p>“Let me see”—Judith did a sum in mental -arithmetic—“that would net me about $1250.”</p> - -<p>“A little more than that,” Latimer completed -his memorandum. “If you hold the bonds for -forty-eight hours they will recover—industrials -are in great demand now.”</p> - -<p>“But I want the money.”</p> - -<p>“But Judith,” he remonstrated, “don’t sacrifice -your bonds. Why not ask your father for a -loan?”</p> - -<p>“No,”—Judith tempered the refusal—“Father -wouldn’t understand. I need the money -for—for an emergency.”</p> - -<p>“Well, see here, Judith,”—Latimer pulled out -his check book—“won’t you let me help out?”</p> - -<p>Judith flashed him a look of gratitude. -“Don’t think I am unappreciative of your generous -offer,” she exclaimed, “if I decline it.”</p> - -<p>“All right, Judith,” and Latimer returned his -check book to the desk drawer. “But don’t sell -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</span>your bonds. You can raise a thousand at any -bank by giving them as collateral with your note.”</p> - -<p>Judith’s expression altered. “I hadn’t thought -of that,” she exclaimed. “Perhaps that would be -better.”</p> - -<p>“Then if it will be of assistance to you I’ll -arrange it at the bank.” Judith nodded a vigorous -assent. “Will one thousand be enough?”</p> - -<p>Judith considered a second. “Yes, I believe -so.”</p> - -<p>“Have you the bonds with you?”</p> - -<p>“No, they are in our safe at home.” Judith -glanced at her wrist-watch and saw that it was -half-past two. “I’ll bring the bonds to-morrow -morning; that will be time enough. I have the -numbers here, however,” and drawing out her -bank book from her bag, she turned to its back -pages. “They run from 37982 to 37991.” She -was on her feet before Latimer had laid down his -pencil. “I must hurry, Frank.” Impulsively -she clasped his hand in both of hers. “I can’t -begin to thank you.”</p> - -<p>“Nonsense!” Latimer patted her gently on -the shoulder. “I am only too glad, Judith, to be -of service. How is your father?”</p> - -<p>“Oh, he is all right again.” Judith could not -restrain her impatience to be off. “Mother’s -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</span>rather fidgety; so are we all”—and an involuntary -sigh accompanied the words. “Austin’s -death was a shock we have not recovered from. -It’s—it’s numbed us”—hunting about for a -word.</p> - -<p>“I understand,” and Latimer looked sympathetically -at her as he escorted her through his -private entrance into the corridor and to the elevator -shaft. “The newspapers said there were no -new developments in the case. Are you still annoyed -by the police?”</p> - -<p>“Not to-day,” Judith stopped at the stairs. -“I can’t wait for the elevator; it’s only a few -flights, so good-by.” And waving her hand, she -almost ran down the steps.</p> - -<p>As Latimer reëntered his private office he found -his head clerk standing by his desk with a number -of papers in his hand.</p> - -<p>“These bonds have just been offered,” he explained, -extending the papers and Latimer glanced -at them. The next second he snatched up his -memorandum pad and compared the figures noted -thereon with the numbers engraved on the Troy -Valve bonds—37982. With quickened interest -Latimer turned over the bonds—each of the ten -numbers tallied with those on the memorandum -pad.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</span></p> - -<p>“Where did you get these Valve bonds?” he -demanded.</p> - -<p>“One of our new customers—I forget his -name—has just sold them to cover his margins.”</p> - -<p>Latimer stared at his clerk. “Is the customer -still here?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir; at least he was a few minutes ago.”</p> - -<p>Latimer strode to the outer office door and -opened it slightly; over a dozen men and women -were grouped about the ticker at the other end -of the room.</p> - -<p>“Which is the customer?” he demanded, -keeping his voice low.</p> - -<p>The clerk peered over his shoulder.</p> - -<p>“There—that’s him,” he exclaimed; Latimer’s -excitement, though subdued, had communicated -itself to him and his grammar went astray. -“There, he’s going out of the front door.”</p> - -<p>And Latimer, looking eagerly across the office, -was just in time to recognize the clear-cut features -and the straight soldierly figure. Joseph -Richards had disposed of the ten bonds owned by -his wife—which Judith desired to sell—to cover -his margins in stock speculations.</p> - -<p>Latimer sat down in the nearest chair conscious -of a feeling of faintness for the first time -in his life.</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</span></p> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_VII">CHAPTER VII<br /> -<span class="smaller">THE KNAVE OF HEARTS</span></h2></div> - -<p class="no-indent"><span class="smcap"><span class="dropcap">T</span>he</span> death of Austin Hale under mysterious -circumstances had created a veritable -sensation in Washington, and the residents -of the National Capital read with avidity -every newspaper account. To the indignation of -the city editors and the staffs of newspaper men -few details were forthcoming from either Police -Headquarters or the Hale residence. Thus -thrown upon their own resources, imagination -played a large part in their “write-ups” of the -tragedy which, headed by display type of the -most sensational character, had but served to -whet the appetite of the reading public.</p> - -<p>Robert Hale and his family occupied a prominent -position, both in the scientific world and in -society, and young Austin Hale, who had been -petted and indulged by his hosts of friends, was -genuinely mourned, and Anna, the waitress, detailed -Maud, the parlor maid, to remain at the -front door and receive the visiting cards bearing -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</span>the message, “With sincere sympathy,” or perfumed -notes of condolence addressed to Mrs. -Hale, Judith, and John Hale.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Hale looked with dismay at the formidable -pile of notes which Maud had handed to her with -a flourish at the close of dinner.</p> - -<p>“I shall have to borrow Polly Davis to acknowledge -these messages of sympathy for me, -Robert,” she remarked, laying aside her lorgnette -and addressing her husband who, occupied with a -game of solitaire, sat at a near-by table in the -library.</p> - -<p>Robert Hale considered the Knave of Hearts -before discarding it.</p> - -<p>“Very well, if you need Polly’s services you -can have her,” he said, drawing another card -from the pack. “But it is for a limited time -only, recollect Polly is behind in my work.”</p> - -<p>Judith, knitting industriously in her corner of -the big divan, stopped her busy needles for a -moment.</p> - -<p>“Polly isn’t looking very well, Father,” she -stated slowly. “Don’t give her additional work; -she is not very strong.”</p> - -<p>Hale looked displeased. “I am not giving her -additional work,” he protested. “Polly is behindhand, -and it is entirely her own fault. She -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</span>has been giving too much attention to society and -too little to her duties as my secretary.”</p> - -<p>“Tut, Judith,” Mrs. Hale promptly took exception -to the implied criticism of her husband. -“Your father is quite right, he has been most -lenient with Polly and her flirtations.”</p> - -<p>“I hardly think it is our place to judge Polly.” -Judith spoke with increasing earnestness. “The -girl tries hard to keep up with her work, and -your manuscript is not always easy, Father. You -ought to recollect, also, Mother, that she has led -a colorless life until this winter. She has a -mother entirely dependent upon her, and they are -cruelly poor.”</p> - -<p>“All the more reason for attending strictly to -her work,” grunted Hale, but his voice had softened, -as it always did when Judith was a special -pleader and that his daughter was much in earnest -was plainly evident. “Can’t you manage those -notes yourself, Agatha?”</p> - -<p>“Let me answer them for you,” broke in Joe -Richards, and, rising from his seat under a standing -lamp where he had been reading an evening -newspaper, he walked over to the divan. “My -penmanship used to be pretty fair, and if Judith -will dictate what to say—”</p> - -<p>“Of course I will,” Judith’s blue eyes flashed -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</span>him a grateful message. “Now, Father, if you -will consent, I wish to give Polly a—a vacation.”</p> - -<p>Hale raised his head and contemplated her in -surprise. “A vacation?” he echoed. “Come, -Judith, that is a different matter; I am willing -not to give Polly additional work, but she must -complete her regular secretarial duties.”</p> - -<p>Richards looked from father to daughter. -“Can’t I help out there, also, Mr. Hale?” he -asked.</p> - -<p>“You cannot,” was the prompt response, and -under his tan Richards felt his color rise. Hale’s -manner to him could never be termed ingratiating. -If Judith caught the undercurrent of dislike in her -father’s abrupt refusal she gave no sign of it, as -she went placidly on with her knitting.</p> - -<p>“I will see that you are supplied with a secretary -in Polly’s place,” she explained. “And if -you consent, Father, I plan to give her and her -mother a trip to Atlantic City.”</p> - -<p>“Bless my soul, Judith!” Mrs. Hale dropped -the note she was reading and stared at her. “I -think such generosity is quite unnecessary.”</p> - -<p>“Please”—Judith laid aside her knitting and -her voice was soft and winning. “Please, dear, -let me have my way in this. You, Father, will -benefit.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</span></p> - -<p>Hale, in gathering up his playing cards, -dropped half of them on the floor, and he was -some seconds in collecting them, with the assistance -of Richards.</p> - -<p>“How shall I benefit?” he asked, acknowledging -Richards’ courtesy with a nod of his head.</p> - -<p>“By getting more efficient work,” Judith explained. -“Polly is on the point of a nervous -breakdown. Rest and sea breezes will put her -on her feet again; whereas if she is forced to -leave you on account of illness, you will still -be obliged to fill her place—perhaps for an indefinite -time.”</p> - -<p>Hale stacked the cards neatly before him and -rising, put the small table back against the wall -in its customary place. “I’ll think over your -plan, Judith,” he agreed. “But mind you, I can’t -promise. Well, Agatha,”—as his wife, seeing -he was about to leave the library, rose also, a -bundle of papers in her hand—“what is it? Do -you wish to go on a vacation, also?”</p> - -<p>“No, indeed!” Mrs. Hale took her courage -in both hands. “Here are some bills—they have -just come in,” hastening to forestall objections. -But, contrary to her expectations, Hale did not -indulge in his usual sarcastic comments regarding -her efforts to keep household accounts systematically—the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</span> -word “system” was not in Mrs. -Hale’s vocabulary.</p> - -<p>“Bring the bills to my den,” he suggested, -“and I will go over them. Don’t stay up too -late, Judith,” he cautioned, turning back from the -door as Mrs. Hale, much relieved, hastily gathered -together her cherished account books, which never -balanced, and scurried out of the library ahead -of him in some trepidation lest he might change -his mind. Hale looked first at Judith and then at -her husband. “Don’t let Judith overtire herself, -Joe; we cannot have that.” Wheeling around, -he followed his wife upstairs.</p> - -<p>Judith looked up from her knitting as Richards -paused by the side of the divan and regarded her.</p> - -<p>“Do you feel ill, dearest?” he asked, and the -concern in his tone brought a touch of color to -her wan cheeks.</p> - -<p>“No, only—” Judith hesitated. “Father is -right, I am very tired—I couldn’t sleep last -night.” Her usually clear voice quivered; another -second and Richards’ arms were around her -and her head was pillowed on his broad shoulder.</p> - -<p>“My dear, dear love,” he murmured. -“Judith, don’t cry, my darling, don’t”—in distress, -as her self-control gave way. The storm -of tears ceased almost as abruptly as it started, -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</span>and Judith met her husband’s tender glance with -a brave little smile.</p> - -<p>“I am not often inclined to hysterics,” she -whispered. “Forgive me, dear.”</p> - -<p>“Forgive you!” Richards laughed softly. -“Always, dear heart. Judith”—and his clasp -tightened—“you have no idea how precious you -are to me; how I worship you”—his strong -voice grew rough with emotion. “I am not half -worthy of you.”</p> - -<p>“Hush!” Judith placed a tender finger across -his lips. “Don’t say that, Joe. The world never -held such happiness for me until I met you, and -there has been no shadow until”—she faltered -a minute—“until yesterday.”</p> - -<p>“Until yesterday?” Richards’ astonishment -was plain. “You mean Austin’s funeral?”</p> - -<p>“No.” Judith colored warmly. “I mean -your leaving after dinner last night without saying -anything to me and—and—your getting -back so late, or rather, so early this morning.”</p> - -<p>“Good gracious, Judith!” Richards chuckled, -then grew grave. “John asked me to go to the -club, and I left word with your father—didn’t -he give you the message?”</p> - -<p>“No; Father felt badly early in the evening -and went to bed without my seeing him. Did -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</span>you stay at the club all night?” again she colored. -“I was awake when you came in this morning.”</p> - -<p>“You were!” Richards smiled wryly. “And -I thought you asleep and did my best not to -awaken you. At the club I met Sandy Nichols, -and he asked me to run over to Baltimore and -try out his new Pierce Arrow—he was my pal -in the A. E. F., you know,” he interpolated. -“We expected to be back before midnight, but we -first lost our way owing to a detour, and then -the car broke down on the return trip. I tried -to telephone, but Central declared the house would -not answer.”</p> - -<p>“Mother had the phone disconnected; she insisted -it disturbed Father.” Judith’s spirits were -returning, and the glance she gave him was full -of mischief. “You have no idea how worried -I was.”</p> - -<p>“Judith!” Richards held her face between -his hands and gazed straight into her eyes. -“Judith, you weren’t jealous?”</p> - -<p>Slowly, slowly her eyes fell before his ardent -look and the rich color mantled almost to her -brow. “Yes, I was,” she confessed, and holding -her in close embrace, he kissed her tenderly.</p> - -<p>“Judith,” he said, “never doubt my loyalty to -you—my devotion.” He stopped, hesitated, and -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</span>his voice grew even lower. “You are my life—my -religion.”</p> - -<p>“Joe!” Startled by the intensity of his manner, -Judith stood up. “You must not exalt me. -I am an ordinary mortal, subject to error.”</p> - -<p>“No.” Richards rose and faced her, his hands -resting lightly on her shoulders. “In my eyes -you can do no wrong.”</p> - -<p>Richards stood tall and straight before her, his -six feet two of sturdy manhood matched by her -slender willowy figure, for Judith was above the -usual height for women. Maud, the parlor maid, -who had come in search of Mrs. Hale, felt a -sympathetic thrill as she noted the rapt expression -of the lovers and stole away without disturbing them.</p> - -<p>“Joe,”—Judith slipped her hand inside his and -gave it a gentle squeeze—“this is the first really -happy moment I have known since I regained my -senses in my boudoir on Tuesday night, or rather -Wednesday morning. I do not understand how -I came to faint.”</p> - -<p>Richards glanced at her for an instant. Then -his gaze traveled across the room and rested on -the spot where Austin Hale’s body had lain that -fateful Wednesday morning.</p> - -<p>“You had reached the limit of endurance, -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</span>dearest,” he declared. “Tell me,”—and again -his eyes sought hers—“you heard nothing—no -sound of a struggle, no scream?”</p> - -<p>Judith shook her head and the pathetic look -which Richards had grown to know crept into -her eyes. “I am deaf.”</p> - -<p>“But with this, dear,” and he touched the earpiece -of the “globia-phone” which she was wearing. -“Surely you could hear something.”</p> - -<p>“I did not have it on Tuesday night,” she explained. -“My head ached and when I braided -my hair I took it off, for even the slight weight -of the instrument intensified the pain. And you -must remember that the walls of this house are -sound-proof; I could not hear, even when I was -wearing this earphone, anything transpiring downstairs -while I was in our boudoir.”</p> - -<p>“In our boudoir!” The words slipped -mechanically from Richards. “Don’t you recollect, -dearest, that I found you unconscious in the -front hall downstairs?”</p> - -<p>“In the front hall?” Judith faltered and -dropped her eyes. “Why—I—I thought you -found me in our boudoir. I revived there.”</p> - -<p>“I carried you upstairs.” Richards bit his lip -as a faint “Oh!” broke from Judith. She made -no other comment, and he continued, “How did -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</span>it happen that your earphone was in your father’s -safe?”</p> - -<p>“I suppose he picked it up and absent-mindedly -put it there.”</p> - -<p>“But, Judith,”—Richards glanced away from -her—“your father stated that he was taken ill -with the ‘flu’ on Friday a week ago, and that -he did not come downstairs until yesterday. -How then could he have put the earphone in the -safe on Tuesday night?”</p> - -<p>“I did not say he put it there Tuesday night,” -Judith spoke a bit sharply. “It may have been -there for days and I never would have missed it, -for I have about every ear instrument ever invented. -Father is always buying some new invention, -and you will find them scattered all over -the house, much to Mother’s annoyance.” Judith -had spoken with unusual rapidity and she came -to a breathless pause.</p> - -<p>“Judith,”—Richards hesitated a brief second—“what -brought you downstairs on Tuesday -night?”</p> - -<p>“I was looking for you,” she confessed. “You -said that you would return early”—with faint -reproach.</p> - -<p>“Did you see Austin?” The question came -with marked reluctance, and in the deepening -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</span>silence Richards caught the tick-tock of the clock -over the fireplace. His hands tightened their -clasp and he grew conscious that hers had grown -cold.</p> - -<p>“I had no knowledge of Austin’s presence in -the house,” she stated and winced. “Don’t, Joe, -you are hurting me”—and Richards awakened -to the fact that he had pressed her hands with -such force that her wedding ring had cut into -the delicate flesh.</p> - -<p>“Forgive me,” he murmured, and, raising her -hands, pressed them to his lips.</p> - -<p>“Joe,”—Judith had grown singularly pale and -the hand she disengaged from his and laid on -his arm was not quite steady—“believe me, -dear, when I say that I heard nothing on that -Tuesday night preceding or following Austin’s -death.”</p> - -<p>“You heard nothing,” Richards repeated; -neither looked at the other. “I believe you, sweetheart.” -He kissed her gently. “You must not -worry so, Judith; you will make yourself ill, and -I fear I have kept you up talking much too long,”—in -deep contrition as the dock chimed ten. -“Come, dear.” And with his arm thrown protectingly -about her shoulders, he strolled with her -to the door.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</span></p> - -<p>As they passed the card table Judith caught -sight of a playing card lying on the rug and her -orderly instinct caused her to stoop and pick it -up just as the portières parted and Mrs. Hale -dashed breathlessly into the library.</p> - -<p>“You haven’t gone upstairs!” she exclaimed, -much relieved. “The most dreadful thing has -happened.”</p> - -<p>“What?” demanded Judith and her husband -in unison.</p> - -<p>“Anna has fallen and sprained her ankle.”</p> - -<p>“Is that all?” Judith’s relief took the form -of a short laugh.</p> - -<p>“All? Good gracious, to have a waitress laid -up is serious enough, without having that waitress, -Anna,” Mrs. Hale spoke in scandalized disapproval. -“Anna is the most useful person in the house.”</p> - -<p>“I know she is,” agreed Judith. “I spoke in -haste, Mother, but you frightened me; I thought -something had happened to—to Father.”</p> - -<p>“Let me call a doctor,” suggested Richards -practically and walked toward the desk phone. -But Mrs. Hale stopped him.</p> - -<p>“I have already telephoned,” she explained. -“McLane is detained at the hospital with a serious -case and can’t come, but he gave me explicit -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</span>directions over the phone, and I shall carry them -out.” Mrs. Hale had unbounded confidence in -her medical knowledge, a confidence, however, -not shared by the members of her family. “But -I find that we have no arnica in the medicine -chest.”</p> - -<p>“Let me go for it,” volunteered Richards and, -not waiting for Mrs. Hale’s voluble thanks, he -started for the door, pausing only to call to -Judith. “Run upstairs, Judith, don’t wait for -me.” Snatching up his hat and overcoat, he disappeared -out of the house, in his haste never hearing -Mrs. Hale’s parting injunction. She turned -with a worried air to her daughter.</p> - -<p>“I declare, Judith, I forgot to ask him to get -bandages.”</p> - -<p>“I have some.” Judith slipped her arm inside -her mother’s. “Come up to my boudoir and then -I will go with you to see Anna.”</p> - -<p>Three quarters of an hour later, the arnica -applied and the swollen ankle neatly bandaged, -Judith came downstairs in quest of a decanter -of whiskey which her father kept carefully secreted -in the dining room. Anna had expressed -a desire for a “nightcap” and Mrs. Hale had -begged Judith to prepare it for her.</p> - -<p>Judith poured out a liberal portion of Scotch, -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</span>replaced the decanter in its recess behind the sideboard, -and then hastened toward the door, intending -to add the hot water when she reached -Anna’s bedroom. As she passed the drawn -portières across the entrance to the library, her -eyes caught a ray of light showing between its -folds. Judith halted in surprise and, parting the -portières, looked inside the library. Seated in -her father’s favorite chair was her uncle, John -Hale. By his side stood Frank Latimer, both -with their backs partly turned toward her. Her -uncle’s raised voice reached her in the stillness -and she caught the mention of her husband’s -name.</p> - -<p>“I know very little about Joe Richards’ antecedents,” -John Hale stated. “He seems a good -fellow, whole-souled, well-set-up—educated. -We knew nothing of Judith’s marriage until her -cable came.”</p> - -<p>“How about Richards’ financial standing?”</p> - -<p>“Why do you ask, Frank?” John Hale regarded -his friend in surprise.</p> - -<p>Latimer moved nearer. “The question is -prompted by our long friendship, John, by my -affection for Judith.” The gravity of his manner -startled the listening girl. “I had to see you -to-night; I could not rest until I did.” Latimer -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</span>polished his round spectacles and adjusted them -with care. “What we say is in confidence. It -is imperative that I get some information about -Richards, particularly as to his financial standing. -Has he money?”</p> - -<p>“He appears to have plenty of ready cash,” -admitted John Hale slowly. “I heard to-day -that he has applied for a position with the Ludlow -Locomotive Works.” He paused. “Tuesday -Richards went to our bank and asked for a loan, -offered to supply bonds as collateral, and gave us -as references—that is how I learned of the transaction.”</p> - -<p>“Did the bank make the loan?”</p> - -<p>“Not yet; the treasurer consulted me, and has -the matter under advisement.” Again he paused. -“It greatly depends upon the bonds he offers.”</p> - -<p>Latimer stared at his companion. “Good -Lord!” he groaned, and again wiped his glasses. -“Listen, John, and don’t breathe a word of what -I say, d’ye hear?”</p> - -<p>“I won’t,” and the pledge rang out clearly.</p> - -<p>“Judith came to my office this afternoon and -asked me to sell ten bonds of the Troy Valve -Company. I advised her to borrow from her -bank, offering them as collateral, and before she -left she gave me the bond numbers, 37982 to -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</span>37991. She hadn’t been gone five minutes when -my clerk brought me in ten bonds of the Troy -Valve Company bearing those identical numbers. -See for yourself,” and he laid a bundle of papers -in John Hale’s hand. “The bonds had been sold -to us not ten minutes before to cover margins in -stock speculations when the market fell to-day.”</p> - -<p>“Well, go on,” urged John Hale.</p> - -<p>“The speculator and the man who sold the -bonds are one and the same person—Joseph -Richards. Now, how did Richards get hold of -Judith’s bonds which, mind you, she expected to -bring to me to-morrow?”</p> - -<p>John Hale, who had followed Latimer’s slow -speech with absorbed attention, answered almost -automatically.</p> - -<p>“Robert confided to me this evening that on -careful examination of the contents of his safe to-day, -he found that Judith’s bonds were missing.” -He stopped, then added, “We have not told -Judith.”</p> - -<p>As the full meaning of her uncle’s words -dawned on Judith she swayed upon her feet and -in desperation clutched the glass and prevented -it from slipping through her shaking fingers. -Very softly she tiptoed through the dining room -and out into the central hall. At the stairs she -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</span>paused and, raising the glass, swallowed some of -Anna’s “nightcap.” She was hardly conscious -of the fiery undiluted liquor which burned her -tongue and throat, but under the false strength -it engendered she hurried up the staircase and -came face to face with her husband on the top -landing.</p> - -<p>His face cleared at sight of her. “I was -hurrying to find you,” he explained, and took the -glass from her. “Your mother told me that she -had sent you for this. I’ll take it to Anna. Go -to bed, dearest.” And he sped away as Judith -turned into their boudoir.</p> - -<p>With slow, uncertain steps Judith made her -way to her dressing table and fell rather than sat -in the chair standing before it.</p> - -<p>Her bonds had been stolen—Joe had sold them -to Latimer to cover losses in speculation. The -words rang their changes—but their distinct -meaning beat itself against her brain and, with a -low moan of anguish, she bowed her head upon -her arms, thereby displacing the playing card -which she had picked up earlier that evening in -the library and flung unheeded on her dressing -table. The red of it caught and held her eye, -and suddenly she laughed loudly—unrestrainedly.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</span></p> - -<p>“The Knave of Hearts!” she gasped between -her bursts of merriment.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>As Judith’s hysterical laughter echoed through -the open door into the boudoir, a figure just entering -it, paused, listened a moment, then with bent -head, retreated cautiously into the hall and stole -silently away.</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</span></p> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_VIII">CHAPTER VIII<br /> -<span class="smaller">PRO AND CON</span></h2></div> - -<p class="no-indent"><span class="smcap"><span class="dropcap">A</span>t</span> sight of John Hale towering head and -shoulders above the others in the outer -office of Latimer and House, Stockbrokers, -the senior partner hastily excused himself -from several persistent clients and sent his -messenger to bring John Hale into his private -office.</p> - -<p>“Well?” he demanded without further greeting. -“Well, has the night brought counsel?”</p> - -<p>John Hale tipped the revolving chair he was -occupying back to its limit before replying.</p> - -<p>“The night brought nothing but sleeplessness,” -he groaned. “Whichever way you look at it, -Frank, it’s a damnable situation. Judith’s bonds -missing from her father’s safe and discovered in -her husband’s possession, and Austin found -stabbed to death within a few feet of the opened -safe in which her bonds were kept. My God! -Frank,”—he bent nearer and Latimer saw the -beads of perspiration standing on his brow,—“do -you realize all that that implies?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</span></p> - -<p>“You mean that Joe Richards opened the safe, -stole the bonds and, caught in the act by Austin, -killed him?” asked Latimer.</p> - -<p>“Yes, that’s about it.” John Hale twirled his -walking stick about. “Well, it tallies, doesn’t -it?” and only by an effort of will did he hide a -touch of eagerness.</p> - -<p>Latimer pondered a moment before replying. -“Yes, it tallies,” he agreed, “but you have no -evidence to substantiate it. For instance, to open -the safe Richards had to know the combination.”</p> - -<p>“Well, he might have picked it up.”</p> - -<p>“True, he might have, but you will have to -prove that he did.”</p> - -<p>“I prove it?” John Hale’s heavy brows met -in a scowl. “That’s the detective’s job, not -mine.”</p> - -<p>“I used the pronoun to imply the prosecution, -and not in its personal application,” Latimer explained. -“Where was Richards on Tuesday -night?”</p> - -<p>“Playing billiards at the club.”</p> - -<p>“Have you proof of the exact time he left -there?”</p> - -<p>“No, but I’ll get it,” and John Hale’s tone implied -grim determination.</p> - -<p>“Then suppose you make inquiries at the -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</span>club,” suggested Latimer; “but be guarded, John. -Every one’s attention is focused on Austin’s murder -and you might start an ugly scandal.”</p> - -<p>John Hale reddened. “Well, what if I do?” -he grumbled. “The situation couldn’t be much -worse than it is to-day,”—shooting a defiant look -at his friend. “Austin murdered under mysterious -circumstances, and the police haunting our -house, not to mention the morbid sight-seers who -gather about it. I cannot stir out of the place -without encountering curious glances. Even at -the club there’s excitement whenever I appear—and -the newspaper men!” He struck the desk -a resounding blow with his clenched fist. “Damn -it! If Richards murdered Austin he’ll swing for -it—I don’t care if he’s married Judith a dozen -times over.”</p> - -<p>“Easy, easy,” cautioned Latimer. “Cool -down, John, and let us discuss this matter rationally. -What have we discovered against Richards?”</p> - -<p>“That he was playing the market, that he was -in need of funds, and that he had in his possession -bonds belonging to Judith which had been -stolen on Tuesday night from my brother’s safe, -near which we found Austin’s body in the small -hours of Wednesday morning.” John Hale -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</span>moderated his excited manner. “Pretty damning -evidence.”</p> - -<p>“As far as it goes,” agreed Latimer. “Now, -to make it conclusive you must prove: first, that -Richards was at your house between Tuesday -midnight and one <span class="allsmcap">A. M.</span> Wednesday; and secondly, -that he knew the combination of your brother’s -safe. Recollect, it was not forced open.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll make it my business to find out.” John -Hale reached for his hat and his gloves which -he had tossed on the desk. “I am also going -to have inquiries made regarding Richards’ -career.”</p> - -<p>“An excellent idea,” exclaimed Latimer. -“But you had better employ a private detective -agency, John, rather than the local police. Try -the Burroughs Company, they handled some work -for our firm when Johnston, the bank cashier, -hypothecated stock belonging to us.”</p> - -<p>“Where’s their office?” asked John Hale, -jotting down the name on the back of an envelope.</p> - -<p>“In the Fendall Building, corner of John -Marshall Place.”</p> - -<p>John Hale completed the address and replaced -the envelope in his breast pocket.</p> - -<p>“Listen, Frank,” he began. “Austin’s murder -was unpremeditated—the weapon used -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</span>proves that. No man would deliberately kill another -with a pair of shears.”</p> - -<p>Latimer shook his head in doubt. “You are -taking a great deal for granted,” he protested.</p> - -<p>“Not a bit of it,” vigorously. “Austin -caught Richards going through the safe and -Richards grabbed the first thing handy—Judith’s -shears.” Latimer said nothing, and after a -brief pause John Hale continued. “The crime -was committed by some one familiar with the -habits of our household—the police claim that. -No better time could have been selected for rifling -Robert’s safe. He was ill in bed, and Agatha -and I were attending the French Embassy reception -and, by the way, we decided to go only at -the last moment—that’s an important point.”</p> - -<p>“You mean——”</p> - -<p>“Richards was present when I told Agatha that -I would take her to the reception, and he left the -house immediately afterward.” John Hale was -becoming excited again. “Thus, Richards knew -that the coast would be clear.”</p> - -<p>“Hold on, he was aware that Judith was at -home, and the servants, also,” objected Latimer.</p> - -<p>“Sure, and he knew that our servants retire -early. Anna sees to the closing of the house, and -she is very strict with the other servants.” John -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</span>Hale rose abruptly and emphasized his words by -striking his cane against the floor. “And Richards -knew that Judith would not be likely to hear -him, and if she did—”</p> - -<p>“Well, what then?” as John Hale paused.</p> - -<p>“He probably had a plausible excuse handy. -Oh, he could have manufactured some story which -Judith would have swallowed,” retorted John -Hale. “Remember, they haven’t been married -long.”</p> - -<p>Latimer frowned. “Who is going to tell -Judith about the theft of her bonds?” he asked, -rising also.</p> - -<p>“It’s up to you.” John Hale moved uneasily -and glanced away from his companion. “Judith -came to you about her bonds.”</p> - -<p>“Dash it all, John!” Latimer spoke with temper. -“I’m damned if I will. Don’t you realize -that Judith worships her husband?”</p> - -<p>“Well, it’s not the first time a woman has been -deceived in a man,” replied Hale cynically. -“What did she marry for in such an all-fired -hurry? I am sorry for Judith, but she must -‘dree her weird.’”</p> - -<p>Whatever reply Latimer intended making was -interrupted by the entrance of a clerk.</p> - -<p>“This special delivery letter has just come for -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</span>you, sir,” he explained handing it to Latimer. -Then, with a polite bow to John Hale, of which -the latter took not the slightest notice, the clerk -departed.</p> - -<p>Latimer tore open the envelope and ran his -eyes down the written page to the signature. An -exclamation escaped him.</p> - -<p>“It is from Judith,” he said. “Listen:”</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p><span class="smcap">Dear Frank</span>:</p> - -<p>I gave my Valve bonds to Joe to use as he saw fit, -and he tells me that he took the shares to you and you -were kind enough to arrange the business for him, so -I shall not need the $1,000 after all.</p> - -<p>Please don’t tell the family that I’ve become a bit of -a gambler; Joe doesn’t quite approve of a woman -speculating, but—he’s dear about it.</p> - -<p>Thanks for all your kindness.</p> - -<p class="right2">Faithfully,</p> - -<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Judith Richards</span>.</p></div> - -<p>Latimer and John Hale stared at each other.</p> - -<p>“Let me see that letter,” the latter demanded, -and he read it twice before handing it back to -Latimer. “What do you make of it?”</p> - -<p>Latimer laughed heartily. “Thank God I -shan’t have to break any unpleasant news to her,” -he exclaimed. “But the inconsistency of women! -To come to me for advice and then get her husband -to do exactly what I advised her not to.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</span></p> - -<p>“What was your advice?”</p> - -<p>“To use the bonds as collateral at a bank and -not sell them.”</p> - -<p>John Hale studied him in thoughtful silence -for a minute.</p> - -<p>“When did Richards bring the bonds here, -Frank?” he asked. “Was it some time after -Judith left?”</p> - -<p>“No; come to think of it, he must have been -in the outer office when Judith was talking to me,” -responded Latimer, and his face grew grave once -again.</p> - -<p>“And Judith states”—John Hale picked up -his niece’s letter—“‘I gave my Valve bonds to -Joe to use as he saw fit and he tells me that he -took the bonds to you—’ Did Judith mention -to you where she had the bonds?”</p> - -<p>“Now that you speak of it, she did say that -they were in her father’s safe.” Latimer -eyed John Hale sharply. “What are you driving -at?”</p> - -<p>“Simply this, that if Richards was in your -front office with the bonds in his possession, they -could not have been where Judith thought them—in -her father’s safe. Secondly,”—and John -Hale’s voice deepened—“there was no time for -Judith to return home, get the bonds and give -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</span>them to Richards <i>before</i> he sold them to your -clerk here in your outer office. Isn’t that right?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.” Latimer’s worried look returned. -“By Jove, you think—?”</p> - -<p>“That Judith has discovered that her bonds -are missing.”</p> - -<p>“Do you suppose your brother told her?”</p> - -<p>“I hardly think so, for he swore me to -secrecy,” replied John Hale. “No, Judith must -have gone to get the bonds and found them missing -from the safe.”</p> - -<p>“But, good Lord! How did she know that -her husband had brought the bonds to me?” demanded -Latimer.</p> - -<p>“Ask me something easy.” Hale swung his -cane around and stepped briskly to the door. -“But depend on it, Frank, I’ll find an answer to -that question before I’m many hours older.” -And he banged out of the door.</p> - -<p>Latimer strode thoughtfully up and down his -office, then reseated himself at his desk.</p> - -<p>“What’s come over John?” he muttered. -“He seemed anxious,”—he paused—“no, more -than anxious,—determined,—to fix the guilt on -Joe Richards.”</p> - -<p>He leaned forward and eyed Judith’s letter, -reading it slowly, conning over the words, and -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</span>when he straightened up there was a gleam of -frank admiration in his eyes.</p> - -<p>“You are a loyal woman, Judith,” he exclaimed, -unconscious that he spoke aloud. “As -well as ‘a bit of a gambler.’”</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</span></p> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_IX">CHAPTER IX<br /> -<span class="smaller">HALF A SHEET</span></h2></div> - -<p class="no-indent"><span class="smcap"><span class="dropcap">P</span>olly Davis</span> closed the vestibule door -of her home in C Street with a veritable -slam and proceeded up the street oblivious -of greetings from several of her neighbors. -The street, celebrated in its day for having among -the occupants of its stately old-fashioned brick -houses such personages as John C. Fremont, John -C. Calhoun, and General Winfield Scott, was -chiefly given over to modern business enterprises, -and only a few “Cave-dwellers” (the name bestowed -upon Washingtonians by an earnest -“climber” to its exclusive resident circles) still -occupied the homes of their ancestors.</p> - -<p>Polly slackened her swift walk into a saunter -as she turned the corner from C Street into John -Marshall Place. On reaching D Street she accelerated -her speed somewhat on catching sight of -an approaching street car, but it did not stop to -take on passengers, and Polly walked back to the -curb with an uncomplimentary opinion of the -service of one of Washington’s public utilities. -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</span>She waited in indecision on the corner, then opening -her hand bag, took from it a scrap of paper -and consulted the name written thereon. After -studying the paper for a minute, she turned and -eyed the large, red brick and stone trimmed office -building standing on the southeast corner facing -the District Court House. She had seen the -Fendall Building innumerable times since her -childhood days, but never before had it held her -interest.</p> - -<p>There was a certain set air to Polly’s shoulders, -which, to one acquainted with her characteristics, -indicated obstinacy, as she crossed the street and -entered the Fendall Building. She paused in the -lobby in front of the floor directory and then -continued to the second story. At the far end of -the corridor she stopped before a closed door -bearing on its ground glass the title, in gold lettering:</p> - -<p class="center no-indent"><b>Burroughs Detective Agency</b><br /> -<span class="smcap">Alfred Burroughs</span>, <i>Prop.</i></p> - -<p>Polly returned to her hand bag the scrap of -paper which she still held tightly between the -fingers of her left hand, took out a visiting card, -and stepped inside the office. There was no one -in the room, and, with a surprised glance about -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</span>her, Polly crossed to a door evidently leading to -an inner office. The door was only partly closed, -and through the opening a familiar voice floated -out to her:</p> - -<p>“I depend upon your discretion, Mr. Burroughs. -Remember, my name must not be mentioned -in connection with your employment in the -case—” The grating sound of chairs being -pushed back followed, and any answer was -drowned thereby.</p> - -<p>The hand which Polly had extended to knock -against the panel of the door fell nerveless to her -side. With eyes distended to twice their normal -size, she retraced her footsteps out of the office -and the building.</p> - -<p>When Polly reached the Hale residence she -was admitted by the parlor maid instead of the -ever smiling Anna.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Hale left word, Miss Polly, that you -were to go to Mrs. Hale,” Maud announced, helping -Polly off with her coat and hat.</p> - -<p>“Oh,” Polly paused. “Where is Mrs. -Hale?”</p> - -<p>“I don’t rightly know, miss.” Maud emerged -from the depths of the hall closet where she had -hung Polly’s wraps. “Mrs. Hale came in not -three minutes ago. I think she has gone to her -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</span>bedroom. Will you have some lunch now, miss, -or a little later?”</p> - -<p>“A little later, thanks”—Polly regarded the -hall clock. “I had no idea it was nearly noon. -You will find me with Mrs. Hale, Maud.”</p> - -<p>“Very good, miss,” and they separated, the -maid going to her pantry, and Polly in search of -Mrs. Hale. She found that energetic matron -just crossing the hall toward Judith’s boudoir. -At the sound of Polly’s hail she faced around.</p> - -<p>“Is it you, Polly!” Mrs. Hale frequently -asked the obvious. “My dear, aren’t you very -late to-day?”</p> - -<p>Polly blushed at the emphasis on the adjective. -“A little later than ordinary,” she answered good-naturedly. -“I will make up the time, Mrs. Hale, -and your husband’s manuscript will be completed -without delay. Maud said that your husband left -word that I was to report to you.”</p> - -<p>“Did he?” Mrs. Hale regarded her in some -perplexity. “Why, last night he decided that -you were not strong enough to aid me in answering -my letters; he must have changed his mind, -for he wouldn’t have sent you to me for anything -else.”</p> - -<p>Polly’s attention had been caught by one phrase -and the rest of Mrs. Hale’s speech went unheeded.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</span></p> - -<p>“Your husband said I was not strong?” she -questioned. “I am quite well. What made him -think otherwise?”</p> - -<p>“Judith put the idea in his head.” Mrs. Hale -led the way into the boudoir as she spoke and -selected a chair near her daughter’s desk, on -which were piled the notes of condolence, in anticipation -of Richards’ answering them under -Judith’s supervision. “Judith is very much worried -about your health, my dear.”</p> - -<p>“That is very kind of Judith.” Polly slipped -into the seat before Judith’s desk at a sign from -Mrs. Hale. “But your daughter is mistaken. I -am not in the least ill.”</p> - -<p>“I am delighted to hear it.” Mrs. Hale looked -at her husband’s pretty secretary with approval. -“Judith is always so positive in her statements. -I could not see that you looked run down, but -she insisted that you needed a change, and -arranged with Mr. Hale to give you a vacation.”</p> - -<p>“Indeed!” The frigid exclamation escaped -Polly unwittingly, but Mrs. Hale apparently was -oblivious of the girl’s chilly reception of Judith’s -plans.</p> - -<p>“I am glad you don’t require a vacation,” she -went on. “Mr. Hale is particularly in need of -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</span>your services, and it would be most unkind to -leave him in the lurch.”</p> - -<p>“I have no intention of doing so, Mrs. Hale,” -declared Polly with some warmth. “Aside from -the question of my not being able to afford a -vacation, gratitude to Mr. Hale, alone, would prevent -me from going away just now.” She passed -one restless hand over the other. “What possessed -Judith to wish to get rid of me?”</p> - -<p>“Now, my dear,”—Mrs. Hale held up a protesting -hand—“don’t get such a notion in your -head. Judith is devoted to you; we all are, but -she imagined—you know Judith greatly depends -upon her imagination—she is so, so,”—hunting -about for a word—“so shut in with her deafness, -and she is forever imagining things about -people.”</p> - -<p>“And what does she imagine about me?” asked -Polly, as Mrs. Hale came to a somewhat incoherent -pause.</p> - -<p>“That you were on the point of nervous prostration—”</p> - -<p>Polly laughed a bit unsteadily. “Only the -wealthy can afford nervous ‘prosperity,’ and I am -not in that class,” she said. “I must work—work!” -She spoke with nervous vehemence; -Mrs. Hale’s surprised expression checked her; and -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</span>with an effort she regained her self-control. -“What can I do for you?”</p> - -<p>“Answer these notes,” and Mrs. Hale laid her -hand on them. “Take this black-edged note -paper,” holding out a box she had brought with -her.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Hale’s powers of observation were wool-gathering -as she dictated her answers, first reading -each letter in a monotone—in itself enough -to try the steadiest nerves—before composing -its answer; then losing her place and having to -be prompted, which added to her already confused -state of mind. Every expression of sympathy in -the notes brought tears in its train, and if the -steady application of Mrs. Hale’s handkerchief -proved an additional barrier to the speedy completion -of her task, it also prevented her perceiving -the wavering writing of Polly’s swiftly moving -pen.</p> - -<p>“Austin was very much beloved,” she remarked. -“I cannot understand, as I told my -husband over and over, I cannot understand who -would have a motive for killing him. It is beyond -me.”</p> - -<p>“Yes,” murmured Polly. She laid down her -pen and rubbed her stiff fingers. There still remained -numerous notes to answer. “Dear Mrs. -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</span>Hale, let me finish answering these later on. -You must be exhausted.”</p> - -<p>“No, they must be completed now,” Mrs. Hale -spoke with firmness, and Polly, hiding her unsteady -fingers under pretense of searching for -another pen among Judith’s papers, resigned herself -to the situation. “Judith suggested that I -order an engraved card of acknowledgment, but I -desire an individual letter sent to each of our -friends. It will not take much more of your -time,” observing Polly’s eyes stray to her wrist-watch.</p> - -<p>“Will you let me complete the letters this afternoon?” -Polly asked. “I have not touched my -regular work for your husband, and it is nearly -your luncheon hour.”</p> - -<p>“Luncheon will be half an hour later to-day,” -responded Mrs. Hale. “Anna is laid up and -Maud asked for more time. She is not very -quick at her work, you know.”</p> - -<p>“Anna ill! That is too bad,” exclaimed Polly. -“I hope it is nothing serious.”</p> - -<p>“A sprained ankle.” Mrs. Hale leaned back -in her chair and relaxed; she felt the need of a -little gossip, for in spite of her insistence on completing -her letters, the steady application was -commencing to wear upon her. “When anything<span class="pagenum" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</span> -goes wrong with Anna the whole house is -upset.”</p> - -<p>“She is certainly a domestic treasure,” agreed -Polly. “How many years has she been with -you?”</p> - -<p>Mrs. Hale considered before answering. -“She came to us at the time Austin had typhoid -fever; the trained nurse wanted a helper—what -did she call Anna?”</p> - -<p>“Nurse’s aide?” suggested Polly.</p> - -<p>“That was it,” and Mrs. Hale smiled. “We -persuaded her to stay on as waitress.”</p> - -<p>“How did you manage it, Mrs. Hale?” asked -Polly. Another glance at her watch showed her -that the announcement of luncheon must shortly -occur, and she wished above all not to resume -answering letters of condolence. “It has always -struck me that Anna was very much above the -regular servant class.”</p> - -<p>“So she is, my dear,” Mrs. Hale was launched -on her favorite topic. “But Mr. Hale offered -her such high wages, really ridiculous wages at -the time, that it wouldn’t have been in human -nature to resist his offer. I must say for Anna -that she has earned every cent we pay her. -Lately”—Mrs. Hale hesitated and surveyed the -boudoir to make sure that the hall door was closed—“lately,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</span> -Anna has appeared so—so absent-minded. -Do you suppose it can be a love affair?”</p> - -<p>“The most natural supposition in the world,” -smiled Polly. “Anna is a remarkably pretty -girl.”</p> - -<p>“So she is,” Mrs. Hale nodded her head in -agreement. “I suspect it is that new clerk in the -drug store. I meet them quite often walking together, -and I called Austin’s attention to them -when he was last in Washington, just six weeks -ago to-day.” Mrs. Hale looked at the calendar -hanging near Judith’s desk to be sure of her facts. -“Polly, if I tell you something will you promise -to hold your tongue about it?”</p> - -<p>Polly stared at Mrs. Hale—the latter’s tone -had completely changed and her customary -irresponsible manner had become one of suppressed -anxiety.</p> - -<p>“Certainly, Mrs. Hale,” she replied, and her -manner reflected the other’s seriousness. “I will -consider whatever you say as confidential.”</p> - -<p>“First, answer this, on your word of honor,”—and -Polly’s wonderment grew as Mrs. Hale -hitched her chair nearer, and her voice gained in -seriousness. “Have you come across a small -piece of yellow paper; it is folded and has the -word ‘Copy’ as a watermark?” Seeing Polly’s -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</span>uncomprehending stare, she added impatiently, -“The kind reporters use in newspaper offices. -Have you seen such a paper among my husband’s -correspondence?”</p> - -<p>“No, Mrs. Hale; not as you describe it,” Polly -shook a puzzled head. “I may not have noticed -the word ‘Copy,’ though. Was there anything -else to identify it?”</p> - -<p>Mrs. Hale thought a minute, then came to a -decision. “It is no matter,” she said brusquely. -“Forget I mentioned it; there is a more pressing -matter”—from her silver mesh purse she drew -out a much creased letter. “Read that,” she -directed, and held it almost under Polly’s nose, -“but not aloud, read it to yourself.”</p> - -<p>Obediently Polly took the paper and, holding -it at the proper focus, read:</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p class="no-indent"><span class="smcap">Dear Aunt Agatha</span>:</p> - -<p>I started for San Francisco on the midnight train, -so forgive this hasty scrawl in answer to your long -letter. I will see the happy bride and groom on my -return. Sorry Uncle Robert doesn’t like Richards. -I found on inquiry that Richards——</p> -</div> - -<p>Polly turned the letter over—the second sheet -was missing. The young girl looked in bewilderment -at Mrs. Hale.</p> - -<p>“Have you the end of the letter?” she asked.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</span></p> - -<p>“No, that is all there is to it.”</p> - -<p>“This”—Polly turned it over again. “Why, -it is not even signed.”</p> - -<p>“But it is in Austin Hale’s handwriting,” -asserted Mrs. Hale. “You know it is, -Polly.”</p> - -<p>Polly again inspected the clear, distinctive writing. -She had seen it too often to be mistaken in -identifying the chirography.</p> - -<p>“It looks like Austin’s writing,” she qualified. -“When did you receive the letter and what does -it mean?”</p> - -<p>“Mean? We’ll come to that later,” Mrs. Hale -lowered her voice to a confidential pitch. “You -see the date there,” indicating it, and Polly nodded. -“The letter was begun on Tuesday in New -York, and Austin was murdered between Tuesday -midnight and one <span class="allsmcap">A. M.</span> Wednesday <i>here in -Washington</i>.”</p> - -<p>“He was——”</p> - -<p>“Of course he was.” Patience was never Mrs. -Hale’s strong point. “Now, Polly, let us dissect -this letter. On Tuesday in New York Austin -states that he is to take the midnight train for -San Francisco; instead of that he comes to Washington. -Why?” And having propounded the -conundrum, Mrs. Hale sat back and contemplated -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</span>Polly. There was a distinct pause before the girl -replied.</p> - -<p>“I cannot answer your question, Mrs. Hale.” -Polly avoided raising her eyes as she turned the -letter over once again and looked at the blank -side. It was a small-sized sheet of note paper -of good quality, and Austin’s large writing completely -filled the first page. Polly held the letter -nearer Mrs. Hale.</p> - -<p>“The back sheet has been torn off,” she pointed -out. “See, the edges are rough and uneven.”</p> - -<p>“So I observed.” Mrs. Hale was a trifle nonplussed. -She had anticipated more excitement on -Polly’s part, and the girl’s composure was a surprise. -That Polly was maintaining her composure -through sheer will power, Mrs. Hale was too -obtuse to detect. She was convinced, however, -that Polly had been more than ordinarily attracted -by Austin Hale’s good looks and his marked attention -to her charming self. It was not in -human nature, Mrs. Hale argued, that a young -and penniless girl would refuse a wealthy young -man, especially not in favor of a man of John -Hale’s age. It was absurd of Joe Richards to insinuate -that her brother-in-law might have supplanted -Austin in Polly’s affections. Having -once gotten an idea in her head no power on earth -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</span>could dislodge it, and Mrs. Hale, to prove her -viewpoint, had decided to investigate the mystery -of Austin’s death to her own satisfaction. Mrs. -Hale thought over Polly’s conduct for several -minutes, then changed her tactics.</p> - -<p>“Had you heard recently from Austin?” she -asked, and at the direct question Polly changed -color.</p> - -<p>“Not since this letter to you,” she replied -calmly and Mrs. Hale, intent on framing her next -question, failed to analyze her answer.</p> - -<p>“Did he make any reference to coming to -Washington?”</p> - -<p>“Only in a general way,” and before Mrs. -Hale could question her further, she added, “His -letter of ten days ago said that he might be here -in April.”</p> - -<p>“Ah!” Mrs. Hale felt that she had scored a -point. “That goes to prove that Austin’s trip -here Tuesday was unexpected.”</p> - -<p>“So unexpected that he never even wired you,” -supplemented Polly, and Mrs. Hale eyed her -sharply.</p> - -<p>“True,” she replied. “It must have been -something frightfully urgent that brought him -here—to his death.”</p> - -<p>Polly shivered slightly and laid down the letter.</p> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</span></p> -<p>“When did Austin mail this letter to you?”</p> - -<p>“I don’t know.”</p> - -<p>Polly glanced at her in surprise. “Was there -no postmark on the envelope?”</p> - -<p>“There was no envelope.”</p> - -<p>“What!” Polly half rose then dropped back -in her seat. “No envelope? Then how did you -get the letter?”</p> - -<p>Mrs. Hale looked carefully around to make -sure that no one had entered the boudoir or was -within earshot. Her next remark ignored Polly’s -question.</p> - -<p>“I have not shown Austin’s letter to my husband,” -she began. “Mr. Hale does not always -view matters from my standpoint, and he might -be displeased at my having mentioned to Austin -that he was disappointed in Judith’s choice of a -husband. Therefore, Polly, you will say nothing -to him.”</p> - -<p>“Certainly not,” agreed Polly. “But about -the letter—”</p> - -<p>“Nor mention the letter to Judith,” pursued -Mrs. Hale, paying no attention to Polly’s attempt -to question her. “I shall not discuss it with -Judith, for she might readily resent my writing -Austin to find out something about her husband’s -career before he entered the army in 1917. This -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</span>letter”—Mrs. Hale picked it up, refolded it, and -replaced it in her purse—“must remain a secret -between you and me.”</p> - -<p>“But, Mrs. Hale,”—Polly stopped her as she -was about to rise—“where did you get the letter -and who tore off the last sheet?”</p> - -<p>“It is for us to find out who tore it off and -what became of it,” declared Mrs. Hale. At last -Polly was roused out of herself, and the older -woman observed with interest the two hectic spots -of color in her cheeks. “And why the sheet was -torn off.”</p> - -<p>The opening of the boudoir door caused Polly -to start nervously, a start which, in Mrs. Hale’s -case became a jump, as Richards addressed them -from the doorway.</p> - -<p>“Maud is looking for you, Mrs. Hale,” he announced. -“Luncheon is waiting for you.”</p> - -<p>“Thanks, yes; we will come at once.” Mrs. -Hale was conscious of her flurried manner and -her ingratiating smile was a trifle strained as she -faced her handsome son-in-law. “Where is -Judith?”</p> - -<p>“She telephoned that she was lunching at the -Army and Navy Club.” Richards gave no sign -that he was aware of Mrs. Hale’s agitation. -“Your husband is waiting for you.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</span></p> - -<p>“Run down, Joe, and tell him not to wait for -me.” Mrs. Hale laid her hand on Polly’s shoulder -and gave her a slight push. “Go also, my -dear.”</p> - -<p>But Polly hung back. “Wait, Mrs. Hale,” she -whispered feverishly. “There, Major Richards -is downstairs by now. Tell me quickly who gave -you Austin’s letter?”</p> - -<p>“No one.”</p> - -<p>“Then where did you get it?”</p> - -<p>Mrs. Hale paused and looked carefully around—they -had the boudoir to themselves, but before -she spoke Mrs. Hale took the precaution to close -the boudoir door.</p> - -<p>“I found the letter this morning,” she stated, -“in the leather pocket of Judith’s electric car.”</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</span></p> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_X">CHAPTER X<br /> -<span class="smaller">BELOW STAIRS</span></h2></div> - -<p class="no-indent"><span class="smcap"><span class="dropcap">A</span>nna</span>, the waitress, found the time lagging -in spite of the game of solitaire -she was playing to wile away the tedium -of her enforced idleness. She cast a resentful -glance at her swollen ankle before shuffling the -cards for the thirtieth time since she had eaten -her midday meal. She had discarded the morning -newspaper, and refused to find entertainment -in the cheap paper novel which the cook had -brought to her early in the morning, so her last -and only solace was the pack of playing cards.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Hale, a New Yorker by birth, until her -marriage had spent her life in the North, and -while she had quickly succumbed to the spell -which the Capital City casts over those who come -to its hospitable doors, she had never taken kindly -to employing negro servants. She did not understand -the African character, and her one attempt -to adjust herself to the conditions then prevailing -in domestic service in the District of Columbia -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</span>had proved a dismal failure. With her husband’s -hasty approval she had sent to New York -and engaged French and English servants.</p> - -<p>Aside from her eccentricities, Mrs. Hale was a -kind and thoughtful mistress, and the servants remained -long in her employ. Even during the -chaotic war-time conditions in Washington, with -the influx of war-workers and deserters from the -domestic field, her servants had loyally remained -with her in preference to seeking Government -“positions” as elevator women and messengers.</p> - -<p>It required a person in Anna’s state of mind to -find fault with the large, cozily furnished bedroom -in which she sat. A coal fire on the hearth -added its cheerful glow, and at her elbow was -an electric reading lamp ready for instant service -when the winter afternoon drew to a close.</p> - -<p>Anna scowled at her reflection in the mirrored -paneling of the door leading to the bathroom -which she and “cook,” a Swede, shared with -Maud, the parlor maid. For nearly twenty-four -hours she had been kept captive inside the four -walls of her bedroom, and her restless spirit rebelled. -Fate, in the guise of a treacherous high-heeled -slipper, had given her an ugly tumble down -the kitchen stairs on her way to bed the night -before, and Dr. McLane’s assurance that she had -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</span>had a lucky escape did not assuage Anna’s sense -of personal grievance nor deaden the pain of her -physical injury.</p> - -<p>Footsteps and the clatter of dishes, as a tray -was brought in slight contact with the stair turning, -came distinctly through the open door leading -to the hall. Anna’s downcast look vanished. -Seizing the cards, she was intent on laying out her -favorite solitaire when Maud entered, bearing a -tray loaded with appetizing dishes.</p> - -<p>“I’m a bit late,” she explained apologetically, -as Anna swept the playing cards into her lap to -make a place on the table for the tray. “But -there’s been a pile of coming and going in and out -of the house, and it keeps a body moving.”</p> - -<p>“Sit down and have a cup of tea with me,” -suggested Anna, on whom the extra cup and -saucer on the tray had not been lost. Maud had -evidently anticipated the invitation, judging also -from the amount of cinnamon toast and thin slices -of bread and butter. “I am sorry, Maud, to have -more work thrown on you just now; perhaps I -can hobble downstairs to-morrow. Dr. McLane -seemed to think I might.”</p> - -<p>“Now, you rest easy,” advised Maud earnestly. -“I can handle the work all right, and Mr. Hale -said he would come down handsome for it.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</span></p> - -<p>“He did!” Anna’s eyes had narrowed to thin -slits, but Maud, intent on consuming as much tea -and toast as was humanly possible in a given time, -was oblivious of her facial contortions. “Mr. -Hale is a generous gentleman; you stick by <i>him</i>, -Maud.”</p> - -<p>“You bet. What he says goes,” Maud nodded -enthusiastically. “Funny household, ain’t it? -A dead easy one if you are in the ‘know,’” and -she chuckled. “Let me pour you out another -cup, Miss Anna,” and, not waiting for permission, -she replenished Anna’s tea, at the same time -refilling her own cup. “My, don’t cook make -good toast! No wonder Major Richards is so -partial to it.”</p> - -<p>“Is he?” Anna’s tone was dry.</p> - -<p>“Yes, ma’am, and he’s partial to a good deal -more besides.” Maud relished an opportunity of -airing her views to so superior a person as Anna, -for it was not often that she had her undivided -attention. “Major Richards knows a good-looking -woman when he sees one.”</p> - -<p>“Is that so?” indifferently, helping herself to -more sugar.</p> - -<p>“Yes, ma’am,” with emphasis. “Didn’t I see -the look and smile he gave you yesterday?”</p> - -<p>“Tut, tut! None of that.” Anna spoke with -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</span>severity. “Major Richards is Miss Judith’s husband, -a nicely spoken gentleman.”</p> - -<p>“Sure he is.” Maud smiled broadly, nothing -daunted by Anna’s frown. “And say, ain’t Miss -Judith mashed on him? That cold kind always -flops the worst when they fall in love.”</p> - -<p>“Miss Judith isn’t the cold kind,” retorted -Anna warmly. “She has plenty of temper about -her, but I will say it’s tempered with proper -pride.”</p> - -<p>“I wonder if it was proper pride which made -her quarrel so with Mr. Austin?” Maud’s -snicker always grated on Anna, and again the -waitress frowned. “Say, wasn’t his death -awful?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.” Anna sat back with a shiver. “Terrible!”</p> - -<p>“And they dunno who done it,” pursued Maud -with relish, her somewhat nasal voice slightly -raised. “Leastways that is what Detective -Ferguson told me this afternoon.”</p> - -<p>“Was he at the house again?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, three times.” Maud looked regretfully -at the empty toast dish. “I asked him if he -wanted a bed made up for his convenience, and he -was real peevish. My, but he asks a lot of questions!”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</span></p> - -<p>“What about?” inquired Anna.</p> - -<p>“Oh, where we were on Tuesday night, and -if we heard anything unusual,” answered Maud -with careless candor. “Didn’t seem to believe -that we had all gone to bed the same as usual. -I told him if we’d a known Mr. Austin was to -have been murdered, o’ course we’d have waited -up for it, so as to supply the police with details. -That settled him for a time and then he wanted to -know when I last saw Miss Judith Tuesday -night.”</p> - -<p>“So?” Anna leaned out of her chair and -took up a box of candy from the bureau. “Help -yourself, Maud. What did you say to Ferguson?”</p> - -<p>Maud received the candy with eyes which -sparkled as Anna put the box conveniently in -front of her. Her craving for sweets had frequently -earned her a reprimand from Mrs. Hale -when that dame caught her in the act of purloining -candy from the stock kept in the dining room.</p> - -<p>“I told Ferguson that Miss Judith was undressing -in her bedroom when I went upstairs.” -Maud’s speech was somewhat impeded by a large -caramel. “Then he wanted to know when we -first heard o’ the murder—silly question, wasn’t -it?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</span></p> - -<p>“Very,” agreed Anna. “Considering he came -upstairs and joined us just after Mrs. Hale had -broken the news of Mr. Austin’s death. Men are -silly creatures.”</p> - -<p>“Some of ’em are,” amended Maud. “I never -would call Mr. Robert Hale silly. Say, Miss -Anna,”—and Maud hitched her chair close to -the waitress—“do you s’pose he knows anything -about the courting that went on between -Miss Polly and his brother?”</p> - -<p>“There isn’t anything that escapes Mr. Hale’s -notice,” Anna responded dryly.</p> - -<p>“But Miss Polly was mighty sly about it,” -argued Maud. “Mr. Austin caught her once, -though, and my, didn’t he flare up!” Her eyes -grew bigger at the recollection. “I wonder if he -was smart enough to know Miss Polly, for all her -appearing frankness, was playing father and son -off against each other.”</p> - -<p>“Men never know anything where a pretty -woman’s concerned,” replied Anna scornfully. -“Miss Judith knew what was going on though, -and”—she lowered her voice to confidential -tones—“it’s my belief that her Uncle John used -his influence with the family to get her sent on -that visit to Japan.”</p> - -<p>“And there she met Major Richards.” Maud -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</span>selected another piece of candy. “My, ain’t Fate -funny sometimes!” Her companion agreed, and -Maud munched the milk chocolates with silent enjoyment. -Then her active mind went off on a -tangent as she caught sight of the playing cards -still reposing in a disorderly heap in Anna’s lap. -“Mr. Hale got in one of his tantrums this morning.”</p> - -<p>“He did?” Anna put down her cup from -which she had been slowly sipping her strong -black tea. “What about?”</p> - -<p>“He said one of his playing cards was missing -from the pack he keeps in the library, and he just -as much as asked me if I had stolen it.” Maud -sniffed. “If he hadn’t been so nice about my -wages and my room wasn’t so comfortable, and -you and cook being so agreeable, I’d a given -notice.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, pshaw! Mr. Hale doesn’t mean half he -says,” Anna hastened to smooth down Maud’s -ruffled feelings. “He forgets the cause of his -tantrums ten minutes afterward. What’s the use -of paying attention to them? His wife never -does.”</p> - -<p>“I ain’t his wife,” objected Maud. “And he -didn’t forget this tantrum, though it was about -such a measly little thing, but came right back -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</span>after lunch and asked me had I found the card in -any one’s room. He was put out when I told -him no.”</p> - -<p>“It is too bad, Maud,” exclaimed Anna, who -had followed her story with gratifying attention. -“Mr. Hale shouldn’t worry you when you have -extra work with me laid up here. Why not speak -to Mrs. Hale?”</p> - -<p>“Not me!” broke in Maud hastily. “I ain’t -hankering to start a family ruction. Don’t you -worry, Miss Anna, I fixed it,” Maud smiled slyly. -“I went up to Miss Judith’s boudoir with the C. -& P. man to mend her branch telephone this afternoon, -and I just happened to see a pack o’ playing -cards lying on Major Richards’ dresser; their -backs were just the same as Mr. Hale’s pack in -the library, so I sneaked out the Knave o’ Hearts. -After the telephone man left, I gave the card -to Mr. Hale. And say, what do you s’pose he -did?”</p> - -<p>Anna shook her head. “I can’t guess. Do go -on.”</p> - -<p>“Well, first he gave that funny giggle o’ his, -then he slips the card in his pocket, and asks me -where I got it.” Maud paused dramatically. -“When I said I found it on Major Richards’ -dresser he looked at me kinda funny and”—a -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</span>violent sneeze interrupted the recital—“then he -gave me a raise in wages.”</p> - -<p>“Bless me!” Anna ejaculated admiringly. -“That was smart work, Maud.”</p> - -<p>Her companion smiled deprecatingly. “’Tain’t -nothing to what I can do when I set my mind to -it,” she replied. “I just happened on Major -Richards’ cards. How’s your ankle?”</p> - -<p>The waitress started at the abruptness of the -question.</p> - -<p>“It is not so painful,” she said, and glanced -significantly at the clock on the mantel. “Isn’t -it ’most time for you to see about setting the -table for dinner?”</p> - -<p>“No; the family’s dining out to-night,” rejoined -Maud, “so that me and cook can rest up. -Mrs. Hale is pretty much of a fool, but she is -considerate of us. There are times,” added Maud -in a burst of confidence, “when I feel darn sorry -for her.”</p> - -<p>“Don’t let your sympathies get the better of -your judgment,” warned Anna. “Mr. and Mrs. -Hale are—well, you might say ‘discordantly’ -happy.”</p> - -<p>Maud wrinkled her brows. “If you are hinting -they like to fuss, you are dead right,” she -acknowledged. “There’s one thing odd I’ve -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</span>noticed to-day”—She paused to contemplate herself -in the mirrored door with inward satisfaction; -the simple black dress on her slight, trim -figure and neat white collar and cuffs, which Mrs. -Hale insisted should be worn by her servants, was -becoming.</p> - -<p>“What were you noticing to-day?” asked -Anna, growing impatient as the pause became prolonged.</p> - -<p>“That Mrs. Hale and Miss Polly Davis were -getting as thick as thieves,” explained Maud. “I -ain’t never seen them so loving.”</p> - -<p>“Is that so?” Anna stroked her cheek reflectively. -“Mrs. Hale feels Miss Judith’s marriage -more than she is willing to allow, I believe, -and she’s just looking ’round to find somebody -to ‘mother.’”</p> - -<p>“It’s a funny deal her picking on Miss Polly -for that,” laughed Maud as she arranged the tea -dishes on the tray preparatory to departure. -“D’ye know, as poor as I am, I’d give a month’s -wages to know who had a hand in killing Mr. -Austin.” She paused and placed her lips against -Anna’s right ear. “Them bloody shears Mr. -Ferguson is forever exhibiting never belonged to -Miss Judith,” she whispered, “but Miss Polly’s -are missing from her desk.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</span></p> - -<p>Down in Robert Hale’s den Polly Davis -stopped transcribing his manuscript notes to stare -at three letters which she spread before her. She -read them in rotation for at least the seventh -time, then settled back in her chair and, resting -her weight on its arms, contemplated the -notes.</p> - -<p>The first was but a scrawl:</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p class="no-indent"><span class="smcap">Dearest</span>:</p> - -<p>You must dine with me to-night. I will not take -a refusal and will call at the usual hour.</p> - -<p class="right2">Your devoted lover,</p> - -<p class="right"><span class="smcap">John</span>.</p></div> - -<p>The second letter was from Judith:</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>Do not hesitate to use the enclosed check for your -contemplated trip. Return the loan at your convenience, -and let me know if you should need more.</p> - -<p>Ever, dear Polly, faithfully yours,</p> - -<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Judith</span>.</p></div> - -<p>“My contemplated trip,” quoted Polly softly. -The haggard lines in her face were accentuated -by the merciless electric light which beat down -from a lamp but a few feet above her typewriter -desk. “Judith, are you mad!”</p> - -<p>Slowly her eyes turned to the third note. It -had no commencement other than the words:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</span></p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>In recognition of your valuable services I am increasing -your salary fifty dollars per month. Please -arrange to give me additional hours daily.</p> - -<p class="right2">Yours, etc.,</p> - -<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Robert Hale</span>.</p></div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</span></p> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XI">CHAPTER XI<br /> -<span class="smaller">THE THREAT</span></h2></div> - -<p class="no-indent"><span class="smcap"><span class="dropcap">F</span>rom</span> their corner table Judith watched, -with total lack of interest, the gay throng -which filled the public dining room at -Rauscher’s, although the scene was one to arrest -attention. The smartly gowned women, the foreign -attachés in their gay uniforms in contrast to -the khaki-clad army officers and the somber evening -dress of numerous civilians, formed an attractive -center for the mirrored walls and shaded -lights. Judith’s inattention was a source of displeasure -to her mother whose efforts to sustain -the conversation had failed.</p> - -<p>“Really, Judith,” she remonstrated, “it is -very annoying of you to make me repeat my -remarks.”</p> - -<p>“I beg your pardon, Mother.” Judith awoke -from dreary thoughts. “I did not mean to be -rude, but our—our mourning”—glancing down -at her black dress—“seems so incongruous here. -We should have found a less conspicuous place to -dine.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</span></p> - -<p>“Tut! you are supersensitive; we must eat and -why not here? We are not giving a dinner.” -Mrs. Hale paused to bow to an acquaintance. -“Robert and your husband went to the club so -that we would not have even an appearance of a -party. Why, there is Frank Latimer. Wave to -him, Judith.”</p> - -<p>Not waiting for her suggestion to be followed, -Mrs. Hale signaled vigorously with her fan and -succeeded in catching the eye of the attentive -major-domo who, guessing her meaning, directed -Latimer’s attention to her table. Mrs. Hale -greeted the stockbroker with a cordial smile.</p> - -<p>“Join us, Frank,” she exclaimed, as their waitress -placed a chair for him. Latimer cast a -doubtful eye at an adjoining table.</p> - -<p>“That is my habitual place,” he explained. “I -dine here every night.”</p> - -<p>“Fortunate man, with no domestic problems,” -sighed Mrs. Hale. “Really, Anna could not -have selected a more unfortunate time to fall -downstairs—or was it upstairs, Judith?”</p> - -<p>“I don’t know, Mother.” Judith had changed -color at Latimer’s approach as memory of her -interview in his office, the conversation she had -overheard the night before, and her letter explaining -the bond transaction recurred to her. “Anna -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</span>is so seldom ill that we can forgive her this once.” -She raised grave eyes to Latimer. “Do dine -with us, Frank.”</p> - -<p>Latimer had only opportunity to murmur his -thanks as Mrs. Hale took possession of the situation -and claimed his undivided attention. As the -meal progressed he stole a look now and then at -Judith. Her preoccupation was evident and the -furtive glances she cast about the big dining room -were indicative of her nervous condition. Latimer’s -anxiety grew. Would Mrs. Hale never -give him a chance for a private word with Judith? -After the receipt of her note that morning he had -tried to write an answer, but, after a vain attempt -to crystallize his thoughts into black ink, he had -thrown down his pen and applied to that mixed -blessing, the telephone, only to be told that Judith -was not at home.</p> - -<p>If Judith divined his desire to talk with her she -gave no sign of it. Latimer’s anxiety was tinged -with vexation. Was Judith deliberately avoiding -every effort he made to drag her into the conversation? -His hot temper was gaining the upper -hand when Mrs. Hale unconsciously gave him the -opening he had been hoping for.</p> - -<p>“How is the stock market?” she asked, and not -waiting for an answer, added, “Did you purchase -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</span>those Liberty Bonds Robert spoke of last week?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.” Latimer turned determinedly to -Judith. “Your husband sold your Troy Valve -bonds at somewhat of a sacrifice.”</p> - -<p>Mrs. Hale caught the words and looked at her -daughter in open consternation.</p> - -<p>“Judith! You haven’t parted with the bonds -your grandfather left you?” she exclaimed.</p> - -<p>“Yes.” Judith tossed down her napkin and -pushed back her chair. “Joe and I decided that -this was the time to invest in Liberty Bonds.” -Her charming smile disarmed criticism. “Besides, -industrials are dangerous investments.”</p> - -<p>“Fiddlesticks!” ejaculated Mrs. Hale with indignant -emphasis. “You know what General -Hale thought of his Valve bonds and how carefully -he portioned them out among us in his will. -Your father will be seriously displeased, Judith.”</p> - -<p>“Not when I tell him that the bonds are -already depreciating in value,” responded Judith -quietly. “They are depreciating, Frank, are they -not?” Her emphasis on the verb arrested Latimer’s -attention and quickly he caught his cue.</p> - -<p>“Liberty Bonds are a better investment,” he -stated, “especially just now. You”—he smiled -at Mrs. Hale—“are putting your money in Liberty -Bonds.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</span></p> - -<p>But Mrs. Hale was not appeased. “I am not -selling valuable bonds,” she retorted. “The -money I invest in Liberty Bonds is the income -from other sources. What did you realize on -your bonds, Judith?”</p> - -<p>Judith’s brow wrinkled in thought, then she -turned to Frank. “I have a poor head for figures,” -she admitted softly. “What did Joe get -for the bonds, Frank?”</p> - -<p>Latimer eyed her thoughtfully. “We paid Joe -$1,275, less commission. The bonds bring $125 -each.”</p> - -<p>“Is that all!” And Mrs. Hale’s eyebrows -rose in displeasure. “What a wretched time to -sell. I shall remonstrate with your husband for -permitting you to part with the bonds.”</p> - -<p>“You will do nothing of the sort.” The girl’s -tone brought a hot flush to her mother’s cheeks, -but there was that in Judith’s expression which -checked her angry rejoinder. “Please, Mother, -remember that I am independent as far as -my fortune is concerned, and am my own mistress.”</p> - -<p>Mrs. Hale considered her for a minute, then to -Latimer’s horror, for he had a shy man’s distaste -of scenes, her lower lip quivered suggestively, -while her pale blue eyes grew moist.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</span></p> - -<p>“What a way to address your mother, Judith,” -she said reproachfully. “I, who have your best -interests at heart. It is most unkind.”</p> - -<p>“I had no intention of being unkind.” Judith -laid her hand for a second gently on her mother’s -shoulder. “Only, please do not discuss my affairs -with my husband; he also”—she looked -squarely at Latimer—“has my best interests at -heart and I can rely upon his honest judgment.”</p> - -<p>Latimer bowed. “Joe is no fool,” he remarked -dryly. “Don’t worry, Mrs. Hale, I -guarantee that Judith is quite right in the stand -she is taking, and”—again he bowed—“I admire -her for it.”</p> - -<p>“You have always approved of woman suffrage,” -grumbled Mrs. Hale, as she rose and -led the way down the aisle to the entrance to the -dining room. “But take a word of advice from -an older woman, Judith; it is not the wife who -asserts her independence who gains her wishes, it -is she who concedes the little things of life who -controls the big issues. To rule, a woman must -never show she rules.”</p> - -<p>She paused to speak a complimentary word to -the major-domo, and Judith, striding ahead down -the short staircase, discovered that Latimer was -keeping step with her. Before he could voice -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</span>his thoughts, she had formulated her line of -action.</p> - -<p>“If you have any stock deals,” she said in an -undertone, “do tip me off. Hush, not a word; I -don’t wish Mother to know I am playing the -market, here she comes.”</p> - -<p>His ideas in a whirl, Latimer assisted them -into their limousine just as a touring car drove -up to the curb and stopped with a grinding of -brakes which echoed down the street. A second -more and John Hale had flung himself out of the -car and dashed over to the limousine. A rapid -survey showed him that the only occupants of the -car were Mrs. Hale and Judith.</p> - -<p>“Where have you left Polly?” he demanded.</p> - -<p>“Left her?” Mrs. Hale’s voice showed her -astonishment. “Nowhere; Polly has not been -with us.”</p> - -<p>“Not with you?” Her brother-in-law stared -at her. “Didn’t she dine with you?”</p> - -<p>“She did not,” tartly. “What gave you that -impression?”</p> - -<p>“Mrs. Davis told me that Polly telephoned she -was with you.” Hale turned almost savagely toward -Judith. “Where is she?”</p> - -<p>“I do not know.” Judith eyed him in wonderment. -It was not often that she saw him discomposed<span class="pagenum" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</span> -in manner. He moved slightly and the -light from the limousine’s lamps showed his features -more clearly. “Surely, Uncle John, you -are not worried about her whereabouts?”</p> - -<p>John Hale passed a nervous hand over his chin. -“Polly was to dine with me,” he explained. “I -waited at her home, and finally her mother returned -from dining with a neighbor and gave me -Polly’s message. I remembered you were to dine -here, so chased you up. You are sure you don’t -know where she is?”</p> - -<p>“Of course we don’t,” chimed in Mrs. Hale. -“Bless me, John, why worry? Polly is quite old -enough to take care of herself, and she is not -likely to get lost in Washington.”</p> - -<p>“Lost? Of course not,” with rough emphasis. -“I have a message for Polly which must be delivered. -Have you any idea where she is dining, -Judith?”</p> - -<p>Judith thought a moment before replying. -“Possibly she is with the Wards in Chevy Chase,” -she suggested. “I recall Polly had a telephone -talk with Kate this afternoon.”</p> - -<p>“Thanks.” John Hale swung around and -caught Latimer by the shoulder. Until that moment -he had ignored the presence of the little -stockbroker.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</span></p> - -<p>“Drive out to Chevy Chase, Frank,” he urged. -“Come, man, don’t keep me waiting,” and, not -heeding Latimer’s remonstrances, he hurried him -toward his car. Then, as the latter hung back -with the reiterated statement that he had an important -business engagement, he interrupted him -with an oath.</p> - -<p>“Cut it out, Frank,” John Hale spoke between -clenched teeth. “I’ll explain later; jump in.” -Scarcely waiting for Latimer to do so, he climbed -in behind the wheel and, turning the car up Connecticut -Avenue, he speeded up that thoroughfare.</p> - -<p>Latimer rode in perturbed silence, occasionally -stealing a glance at his companion’s set, stern -features. He had followed John Hale in his -college days with doglike fidelity, and the habit -had clung through their years of faithful friendship. -As the car left the city limits behind and -tore along the road leading to the fashionable -suburb of Chevy Chase, Latimer broke the protracted -silence.</p> - -<p>“What’s to pay, John?” he asked.</p> - -<p>John Hale waited until they had overtaken a -trolley, then slowed down the car’s speed almost to -a crawl.</p> - -<p>“God knows!” he responded, and his voice -was not quite steady. “Frank, I—I’m miserable—miserable,”<span class="pagenum" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</span> -and Frank, after one glance at -his face, forebore to question further.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>Mrs. Hale, from the window of her limousine, -watched John Hale’s abrupt departure with astonishment -not unmixed with resentment.</p> - -<p>“Upon my word, Judith, your uncle grows -more impossible every day,” she remarked, and, -meeting with no comment from her daughter, she -picked up the speaking tube and called to her -chauffeur, “Home.”</p> - -<p>On reaching there, Mrs. Hale changed her mind -with characteristic suddenness.</p> - -<p>“I’ll run down to the club and pick up your -father,” she said as she hopped back into the -limousine. “I remember now that he left word -we were to call for him. Won’t you come, -Judith?”</p> - -<p>Judith, halfway up the steps leading to the -front door, shook her head.</p> - -<p>“No thanks, Mother, I have several letters to -write,” and with a wave of her hand she hurried -inside the house. Maud, who had waited in some -uncertainty until she saw the limousine drive off -with Mrs. Hale seated in it, closed the front door.</p> - -<p>“Can I do anything for you, Mrs. Richards?” -she asked, as Judith paused to look at several -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</span>notes lying on the hall table. None was addressed -to her and she laid them back again.</p> - -<p>“No, Maud, not a thing,” she replied. “Has -Major Richards returned?”</p> - -<p>“Not yet, ma’am.” Maud, catching a furtive -look at herself in the long mirror on the wall, rearranged -her cap to a more becoming angle. “Is -it too early to take your pitcher of ice water to -your boudoir, ma’am? Anna said you had one -generally.”</p> - -<p>“It is not too early.” Judith turned toward -the circular staircase. “How is Anna?”</p> - -<p>“Much better, ma’am; she practiced walking -around after dinner and got on first rate,”—Maud -lingered a moment—“not but what I -warned her to be careful; ’tain’t any use of taking -chances with a banged-up ankle.”</p> - -<p>“True,” agreed Judith absently, and, unloosening -her coat, she went upstairs. Instead of going -at once to her boudoir she hurried down the hall -to her father’s den, and as she entered it Polly -Davis looked up from the manuscript she was -copying and stopped her machine.</p> - -<p>“You—here!” Judith halted abruptly.</p> - -<p>“Yes.” Polly pushed her chair away from the -typewriter. “Why not?” The question was -put with studied insolence and Judith’s eyes -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</span>widened. “I am working on your father’s manuscript.”</p> - -<p>“But at this hour—”</p> - -<p>“I am working overtime.” Polly flipped a -note in her direction. “Your father here asks -me to give him ‘additional service.’” She smiled -and shrugged her shoulders. “Any objections?”</p> - -<p>“Objections? No.” Judith’s manner retained -its old friendliness, and she ignored the -girl’s manifest hostility.</p> - -<p>“Then why question my presence here?”</p> - -<p>“I do not question your right to be here.” -Judith chose a chair near Polly. “I have just -seen Uncle John—”</p> - -<p>“Well?” as Judith stopped.</p> - -<p>“Uncle John was told by your mother that you -were dining with us.”</p> - -<p>“Pardon me,”—Polly’s interruption was -curtly spoken, although the words chosen were -politeness itself—“Mr. Hale was informed that -I was with you.”</p> - -<p>“But you were not.”</p> - -<p>“In one sense, yes; in another I am with you -while working in this household.” Again Polly -shrugged her shoulders. “Of course I am not -responsible for whatever interpretation you and -he put on my message to my mother.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</span></p> - -<p>Judith regarded her for a moment in silence.</p> - -<p>“What is your object in splitting straws?” she -inquired. “Wait—Uncle John understood you -were to dine with him, then thought you were -with us, and he now believes you are with the -Wards in Chevy Chase and is motoring there, and—on -returning home, I find you here.”</p> - -<p>“Your uncle asked me to dine with him, -but I never accepted his invitation,” replied -Polly. “Frankly, I preferred to wait here and -see you.”</p> - -<p>“Why didn’t you tell me, Polly, and I would -have remained at home,” exclaimed Judith. -“Have you had any dinner?” with a hasty glance -about in quest of a tray.</p> - -<p>“I dined at the Pastry Shop.” Polly leaned -back in her chair and watched Judith. “I asked -for you before I left this afternoon, but you had -not returned from your drive, and so I came back -an hour ago. What was your object in writing -this note?” and leaning forward Polly placed -Judith’s note and check in her lap.</p> - -<p>Judith did not touch the papers.</p> - -<p>“The note is self-explanatory,” she stated. -“I hope the vacation will restore your health.”</p> - -<p>“My health is quite robust, thank you,” dryly. -“Let us have done with camouflage, Judith, and -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</span>be honest with each other. What is your object -in wishing to get rid of me?”</p> - -<p>“I have no such desire.”</p> - -<p>Polly’s lip curled in scorn. “You wish to get -me away from Washington, away from this -house,” she charged. “Why?”</p> - -<p>The two girls contemplated each other, but -while Judith was pale, a feverish color heightened -the sparkle in Polly’s over-bright eyes. When -Judith spoke it was with deliberation.</p> - -<p>“I suggested that you go on a vacation,” she -said, “for your own good.”</p> - -<p>“Indeed!” Polly’s laugh ended in a sneer. -“Are you quite sure your consideration is not -misdirected?”</p> - -<p>“Quite sure.” Judith’s temper was gaining -the upper hand in spite of her endeavor to keep it -under control. “Once before you ignored my -advice; you know with what results.” She -paused. “Austin’s death—”</p> - -<p>“Well?” Polly leaned forward, both hands -on the arms of her chair.</p> - -<p>Instead of completing her sentence Judith -placed the note and her check on Polly’s typewriter.</p> - -<p>“You had better arrange to leave to-morrow,” -she said softly.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</span></p> - -<p>“I won’t.” Polly’s voice rang out clearly. -“I don’t know whom you are trying to shield, but -you shan’t drive me away—you shan’t—you -shan’t!”</p> - -<p>“Polly,”—Judith’s manner compelled the hysterical -girl to gain some hold on the remnant of -her self-control—“you have forced this scene; I -have tried to avoid it by supplying you with a -way out.” She pointed to the check. “I was -the first person to find Austin’s body—”</p> - -<p>“Ah! You admit it.” Polly’s voice rose almost -to a scream. “Why haven’t you told that -to the police?”</p> - -<p>“Because of my desire to shield you,” Judith -stated calmly.</p> - -<p>“To shield me!” Polly half rose, resting her -weight on the arms of her chair.</p> - -<p>“Exactly.” Judith stood up and pulled her -coat about her shoulders. “In addition to my -silence, I took from Austin’s body a trinket—”</p> - -<p>“Yes, go on”—Polly watched her fascinated, -as she took a step toward the door.</p> - -<p>“Your conduct to-night forces me to use a -threat.” Judith spoke in a monotone and slowly -the color ebbed from Polly’s cheeks. “Unless -you leave Washington within twenty-four hours, -I shall give the trinket to the police.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</span></p> - -<p>“What—” Polly moistened her parched lips. -“What is the trinket?”</p> - -<p>“A Mizpah locket. Good-night,” and without -a backward glance Judith hurried away.</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</span></p> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XII">CHAPTER XII<br /> -<span class="smaller">THE THEFT</span></h2></div> - -<p class="no-indent"><span class="smcap"><span class="dropcap">J</span>udith</span> had not inherited her mother’s -fondness for being waited upon and therefore -she had never employed a personal -maid. After her interview with Polly she went -immediately to her bedroom and it required but a -brief time to put away her coat and scarf. In -removing the latter from around her neck, its -delicate mesh caught in the diamond horseshoe -pin, her only ornament, which she wore in the -front of her evening dress. In striving to free -the scarf she discovered to her dismay that one -of the diamonds was missing from the horseshoe.</p> - -<p>The pin had been her husband’s wedding gift. -Throwing down the scarf, Judith bent anxiously -and peered at the carpet, but it was difficult to see -so small an object against its soft coloring. -Dropping to her knees, she felt about until her -fingers touched a hard substance. A look at it -disclosed the missing diamond, and with an exclamation -of pleasure and relief Judith rose, -folded the stone in a piece of tissue paper and -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</span>placed it with the diamond pin in her jewelry box. -In doing so she caught sight of a gold locket -safely ensconced in the bottom of the box under -several bracelets and chains. Judith considered -the locket gravely, then closed and locked the -jewelry box just as her name was called in the -boudoir. With heightened color, she hastened -across the bedroom and joined her husband.</p> - -<p>“I did not hear you enter, Joe,” she exclaimed -as he held out both hands to her. “How does it -happen that you returned so early? I thought -you planned to run in and see Dr. McLane about -that troublesome cough of yours?”</p> - -<p>“Oh, that can wait until morning,” lightly. -“I came back to be with you.” He placed a -morris chair for her before the hearth, where a -coal fire burned fitfully, and perched himself on -the chair’s broad mahogany arm. “I haven’t -seen you alone to-day.” His voice was tinged -with reproach.</p> - -<p>Judith slipped a hand inside his. “I did not -mean to neglect you,” she said. “But Mother -and certain business matters claimed a lot of attention. -Why,”—turning her head as it rested -against the cushion of the high-backed chair—“why -did you volunteer to dine with Father at -the club and not come with us to Rauscher’s?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</span></p> - -<p>“It was your mother’s plan, not mine.” Richard -laughed softly. “My first impressions of -your mother have radically changed.”</p> - -<p>“In what way?”</p> - -<p>“I thought her all fuss and feathers, but underneath -it she has a will of iron.” Richards’ smile -grew rueful. “Does your father ever oppose her -wishes?”</p> - -<p>It was Judith’s turn to smile. “Not if he can -help it,” she admitted. “Father is something of -a diplomat as far as Mother is concerned. Perhaps -you have noticed it.”</p> - -<p>“Yes.” Richards stared into the fire; he had -become grave. “Somehow, dearest, I do not believe -your father likes me. Oh, he’s been polite -enough,”—as she was about to speak—“but -there is something in his manner,—well,”—with -another rueful smile—“it couldn’t by any stretch -of the imagination be termed cordial at any time, -and lately”—he hesitated—“the dislike is more -apparent.”</p> - -<p>Judith’s pretty color, which had come when she -found him waiting for her in the boudoir, had -waned. “Lately?” she queried. “Do you -mean within the last few days?”</p> - -<p>“Yes; to be exact, since Austin’s Hale’s mur—death,” -he caught himself up. “Don’t mind, darling,”<span class="pagenum" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</span> -observing the shadows which had gathered -in her eyes. “I am sorry I mentioned the subject. -Your father, like the rest of us, is upset -by the tragedy—we will all return to normal -when the mystery is solved.”</p> - -<p>“When?” Judith contemplated her well-fitting -suède slipper and the embroidered silk stockings -just peeping beneath her skirt. “Have the -police advanced any new theories?”</p> - -<p>“Only that the crime was premeditated.”</p> - -<p>Judith looked up. “Premeditated? Then -some one must have known of Austin’s plans to -come here Tuesday night.” She drew in her -breath sharply. “Some bitter enemy.” She -again looked directly up at Richards and found -him gazing in the fire. “What is your theory?”</p> - -<p>“My theory? I hardly knew—know anything -of Austin, therefore it is difficult for me to -form a theory.” Judith took silent note of his -quickly covered confusion, and her hand, still -resting in his, moved uneasily. “Was Austin the -type of man to have an implacable enemy?”</p> - -<p>“N—no,” Judith drawled out the word. -“He sometimes had a nasty way of speaking, -which used to annoy Uncle John; but he was generally -very agreeable, and some people found him -fascinating.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</span></p> - -<p>“Meaning women?” Judith did not reply at -once, and Richards’ eyes narrowed. “You think -that Austin was killed on impulse?”</p> - -<p>“So it appears to me,” she confessed and suppressed -a shudder.</p> - -<p>There was a brief silence, then Richards roused -himself. “I agree with you,” he said. “The -nature of the weapon used proves that.”</p> - -<p>“The shears?” Judith glanced up and then -looked quickly away. “You think Austin was -stabbed with the shears?”</p> - -<p>“Evidently, for there was no other weapon.”</p> - -<p>“No other weapon has been found,” Judith -corrected him softly. “The murderer may have -carried it off with him.”</p> - -<p>“True,” acknowledged Richards, “but then -how came the shears to have blood on them? For -what purpose were they used?”</p> - -<p>Judith’s breathing seemed suspended for an -infinitesimal second, and several minutes elapsed -before she spoke.</p> - -<p>“I am not good at solving problems.” She -twirled his seal ring, which she had given him, -about on his finger. “Have you heard Uncle -John’s theory that Austin was killed by a burglar?”</p> - -<p>Richards regarded her fixedly for a minute. -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</span>“Is that so!” he exclaimed. “And what leads -him to suspect a burglar?”</p> - -<p>“Austin’s gold watch is missing.” Judith felt -his arm slip down about her shoulders, and his -weight rested against the cushioned back of her -chair. “Also, Father found some papers missing -from his safe.”</p> - -<p>“He did—when?” The question shot from -Richards.</p> - -<p>“Sometime Thursday. I don’t know exactly -when.” Judith caught his intent gaze, and while -her heart beat a bit more rapidly, she continued -to look directly at him.</p> - -<p>“Has he notified the police?”</p> - -<p>“I presume so. He was talking to Detective -Ferguson yesterday just before dinner.” -Judith’s voice sounded a trifle strained in her -own ears, but apparently Richards took no notice. -His gaze had shifted again to the fireplace.</p> - -<p>“When Mr. Hale first examined the safe he -declared that its contents were intact,” he remarked. -“Your news is surprising, Judith. It -may be that poor Austin found a burglar rifling -the safe and was killed by him—it is a reasonable -hypothesis in the light of your father’s discovery. -You said something else was missing—”</p> - -<p>“Yes, Austin’s watch. It was a valuable heirloom<span class="pagenum" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</span> -inherited from his grandfather, and he always -carried it with him. The watch has not -been found either on his body or in his room.”</p> - -<p>“But, Judith, it may be among his effects in -New York,” Richards suggested. “Your mother -told me that he had quarters at the Yale Club and -kept a trunk there.”</p> - -<p>Judith shook her head. “Uncle John talked -to the steward of the club on the long distance -telephone, and a search was made, but the watch -could not be found.” Abruptly she changed the -subject. “Will you please hand me a glass of -water, Joe?”</p> - -<p>Richards had started for the door when she -called him back. “Don’t go downstairs, the ice -water is here,” she looked about the boudoir. -“There, Maud put it over by the bedroom door.”</p> - -<p>Richards filled a glass for her and replacing -it a moment later on the table, he poured out a -glass for himself and almost gulped it down. -Crossing the room, he again seated himself on the -arm of Judith’s chair.</p> - -<p>“Judith,” he began, “a strange thing happened -to-day and I want to tell you about it.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, dear,” she prompted gently, as he paused. -“Go on.”</p> - -<p>But Richards evidently found some difficulty in -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</span>continuing, for several seconds elapsed before he -spoke again.</p> - -<p>“The treasurer of the Metropolis Bank called -me up this afternoon and asked me to stop in and -see him,” he went on. “And when I reached -the bank I was informed that ten thousand dollars -had been placed to my credit.”</p> - -<p>“Good gracious!” Judith clapped her hands. -“Why, Joe!”</p> - -<p>“Exactly—<i>why</i>?” dryly. “Why should -any one do such a thing? I have no near relatives, -no one under obligation to me, and so I told -the bank treasurer, but he refused to disclose the -donor’s name or by whose authority the bank had -acted. He did assure me that it was perfectly -proper for me to use the money, stating that it -was a gift without a string tied to it and that the -money is legally mine.”</p> - -<p>“But that is splendid!” exclaimed Judith. -“Are you not elated?”</p> - -<p>“No, only puzzled,” Richards admitted slowly. -“I have racked my brain, Judith, to find out -where that money could have come from, and”—he -held her close to him, his eyes scanning her -face. “Did <i>you</i> give it to me?”</p> - -<p>Slowly her eyes fell before his ardent look -and a telltale blush mantled her cheeks.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</span></p> - -<p>“Yes,” she murmured, and for a second clung -to him, then pushed him gently from her. -Suddenly he raised her hands and kissed them -passionately.</p> - -<p>“Judith,”—he steadied his voice before continuing—“I -can never thank you, never. Therefore -it is all the harder to tell you that I cannot -take your money.”</p> - -<p>“But you must!” she exclaimed in alarm. -“Dear, I am wealthy in my own right and this -money is some I had lying idle in a savings bank. -It is no sacrifice for me to give it to you.”</p> - -<p>“I would like to think that it is,” he murmured -wistfully. “Tell me, dearest, what put it into -your head to make me so generous a present?”</p> - -<p>“I—eh—” Judith’s native honesty would -not permit an evasion. “I heard that you had -met with reverses in business, Joe.”</p> - -<p>Richards looked at her long and intently. -“You heard?” he repeated. “Where?”</p> - -<p>Judith raised a protesting finger. “‘Ask me -no questions—’” she quoted, “you know the old -saw, Joe”; and before he had time to frame another -question, she asked reproachfully. “Why -did you not come to me at once, Joe? I would -gladly have helped.”</p> - -<p>A dull red flush mounted almost to Richards’ -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</span>forehead and he averted his eyes from her steady -gaze.</p> - -<p>“I can’t borrow from a woman, Judith—even -the very best and dearest woman in the world,” -he confessed. “Keep your money, sweetheart. -My financial embarrassment was only temporary, -but”—his voice deepened with emotion—“I -prize your loyalty above all earthly things. -Judith, I shall strive to be worthy of you,” and -dropping on one knee he kissed her hand with -fervor.</p> - -<p>Judith saw his shapely head and fine features -through a mist of tears. Her faith in him should -stand all tests. In spite of what she had learned -of the stolen bonds, he must be innocent—he -was worthy of her trust, her love. Impulsively -she leaned nearer and he caught her in passionate -embrace.</p> - -<p>The clock had ticked away fully an hour when -Judith awoke to the time.</p> - -<p>“It is almost midnight,” she exclaimed reproachfully -and rose in haste. As she walked -across the boudoir her attention was attracted by -a package of addressed and stamped envelopes. -“Oh, I forgot to give these to Maud to mail first -thing in the morning, and they are important.”</p> - -<p>“Let me have them.” Richards snatched them -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</span>up. “There is a post box in front of the house; -I’ll be right back.” And he hastened down the -hall to the circular staircase.</p> - -<p>Not waiting to lower any of the lights, Judith -went into her bedroom and started to undress. -It took but a moment to slip on her wrapper, and -she was about to comb her hair when the disorderly -appearance of her dressing table startled -her. Her toilet articles were tossed hither and -yon.</p> - -<p>Judith’s hand sought her jewelry box; the key -was already turned in the lock. Tossing back -the lid, she gazed inside—the box was empty.</p> - -<p>A half-strangled cry escaped from her white -lips and Richards heard it as he entered the -boudoir; a second more and he was by her side.</p> - -<p>“See—my jewels—they are gone,” she -gasped. “Your horseshoe, even, Joe.”</p> - -<p>“Hush, my darling, I’ll find it or get you another.” -Alarmed by her pallor, he picked up a -bottle of smelling salts which stood on the dressing -table and held it open before her. “I will -replace the jewelry.”</p> - -<p>“You can’t replace the locket.”</p> - -<p>“The locket!” Richards changed color. -“Have you lost the locket?”</p> - -<p>In her agitation she failed to catch his question.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</span></p> - -<p>“My jewelry was here, every piece, and the -locket, when I went in to speak to you, Joe,” -she declared. “I added the horseshoe just before -you called me.”</p> - -<p>Richards gazed at her in dumfounded silence. -“What is that?” he asked. “You left your -jewelry in that box when you came in to talk to -me in the boudoir a little while ago?”</p> - -<p>“Yes; I can swear to it.”</p> - -<p>Richards sped to the closet door and flung it -open. Only wearing apparel rewarded his search. -A glance at the windows showed that they were -closed and locked on the inside, the bathroom and -dressing room beyond were empty! Convinced -of that, he turned back to Judith who had sunk -into the chair before the dressing table.</p> - -<p>“Was any one with you in this room?” he -asked.</p> - -<p>“No, I was alone.” Judith passed her hand -dazedly before her eyes, then again inspected the -empty box. “Every piece of jewelry is gone,” -she stated, “and the box was full two hours ago.”</p> - -<p>“Are you sure, Judith?”</p> - -<p>“Absolutely certain—the jewelry was stolen -within the last two hours.”</p> - -<p>Richards looked first at her and then at the -empty box.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</span></p> - -<p>“How can that be?” he asked. “There is -no entrance to this bedroom except through the -boudoir—and you and I, Judith, have been in the -boudoir for the past two hours.”</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</span></p> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XIII">CHAPTER XIII<br /> -<span class="smaller">“MIZPAH”</span></h2></div> - -<p class="no-indent"><span class="smcap"><span class="dropcap">D</span>etective Ferguson</span> completed -his tour of the suite of three rooms -and bath which Judith and her husband -occupied and took up his station in the boudoir. -At Richards’ earnest solicitation she had notified -Police Headquarters of the robbery and Ferguson -had been detailed to investigate it. He was followed -into the room an instant later by Judith -who watched him inspect her empty jewelry box -with the aid of a magnifying glass. Quickly he -made his test for finger prints, but she judged -from the negative shake of his head and his -puzzled frown that the results were barren.</p> - -<p>“About what hour did the robbery occur last -night?”</p> - -<p>Judith started at the abrupt question, for Ferguson, -recalling her deafness and forgetful of the -cleverly concealed earphone which she wore continually, -raised his voice almost to a bellow.</p> - -<p>“It must have been between half-past nine -and half-past eleven last night,” she answered. -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</span>“You need not speak so loudly, Mr. Ferguson; I -can hear quite well if you use your ordinary -tone.”</p> - -<p>“Beg pardon, I’m sure,” and Ferguson sunk -his voice to its normal pitch. “When did you -last see your jewelry?”</p> - -<p>“Just after taking off my wraps upon my return -from dining at Rauscher’s,” Judith explained, -“I opened the box to put away the -diamond horseshoe pin which I had been -wearing.”</p> - -<p>“And your other jewelry was then in the -box?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“Where were you between half-past nine and -half-past eleven?”</p> - -<p>“Here, in this boudoir.”</p> - -<p>“Any one with you?”</p> - -<p>“My husband, Major Richards.”</p> - -<p>“Any one else?”</p> - -<p>“No.”</p> - -<p>Ferguson blinked at her solemnly for a minute, -then rising, stepped to the bedroom door and -glanced inside.</p> - -<p>“This is the only entrance to your bedroom,” -he remarked, turning to the silent girl. “How -could a thief enter your room while you and your -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</span>husband were here, and you remain unaware of -it?”</p> - -<p>“I am sure I don’t know.” Judith shook her -head in bewilderment. “I lay awake nearly all -night puzzling over the enigma.”</p> - -<p>Ferguson surveyed the boudoir from every -angle before again addressing her.</p> - -<p>“Where were you sitting?” he inquired.</p> - -<p>Judith crossed the boudoir toward the fireplace -and wheeled the morris chair forward until it -stood in the exact spot of the night before.</p> - -<p>“I sat here,” she explained, “and my husband -was perched on the chair arm.”</p> - -<p>Ferguson walked over and sat down in the -chair.</p> - -<p>“I presume you and Major Richards were absorbed -in conversation,” he grumbled, and not -giving her an opportunity to answer, continued, -“But you both had a good view of the boudoir -door leading into the hall, through which every -one has to enter. Any one entering last night -would have had to come directly in your line of -vision. Was the door open or closed?”</p> - -<p>“Open.”</p> - -<p>“All the way open?” he persisted.</p> - -<p>“The door stood just as it is now,” declared -Judith, after studying it a moment. A look outside<span class="pagenum" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</span> -convinced Ferguson that a person in the hall -would be unable to see what was transpiring in -the boudoir at the angle at which the door stood -ajar.</p> - -<p>“A person could enter without having to push -it farther open,” he announced. “Does the door -squeak?” Springing to his feet he answered his -own question by moving the door to and fro. -“Nary a squeak,” he commented, and drawing -out his memorandum book sat down near Judith. -“Now, madam, was it your custom to keep the -jewelry box on your dressing table?”</p> - -<p>“When I was in my bedroom or in here, yes,” -replied Judith. “At other times I kept it in the -drawer of my bureau.”</p> - -<p>“Was the key in the lock of the box?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.” Observing his smile, Judith frowned. -“I do not usually leave the key in the lock, but -my husband called to me and I joined him here, -leaving the box standing on my dressing table.”</p> - -<p>“I see.” Ferguson stared reflectively at her -for a few seconds. “Ever had anything stolen -before?”</p> - -<p>“Never any jewelry,” Judith spoke with unusual -rapidity. “Nor any money,” she added.</p> - -<p>Ferguson pursed his lips and tapped them with -his pencil.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</span></p> - -<p>“Odd!” he exclaimed. “Were the servants -aware that you had this jewelry box?”</p> - -<p>“They may have been, for while I do not have -a personal maid, Anna, the waitress, and Maud -sometimes assist me in dressing for evening entertainments.” -Judith wondered when Ferguson -would go. She desired most heartily to be alone -and thresh out her problems by herself. “It is -probable that both the girls have seen the jewelry -box on my dressing table,” she added after a -brief pause.</p> - -<p>“Where were the servants last night?” asked -the detective.</p> - -<p>“Anna was in her bedroom suffering from a -sprained ankle”—Judith’s foot was keeping up -an incessant tattoo. “Maud let me in; after that -I did not see her again. They have both been -here for years and are excellent servants—they -are English.”</p> - -<p>Ferguson made a slight grimace. “That Maud -is a nice she-devil,” he exclaimed below his breath; -Maud’s scathing remarks about the inefficiency of -the detective force in general and Ferguson in -particular still rankled. “I’d like to”—he -checked himself and again addressed Judith.</p> - -<p>“How much approximately was your jewelry -worth, Mrs. Richards?”</p> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</span></p> - -<p>Judith took a paper from her mesh bag. - -“Here is a list of the articles in the jewelry box,” -she explained. “Major Richards suggested that -I prepare it for you.”</p> - -<p>“That’s fine.” Ferguson reached eagerly for -the paper and scanned the items with increasing -interest. “I see you estimate the jewelry at four -thousand five hundred dollars,” he remarked. “A -pretty haul for any thief. Fortunately your -initials are on every piece,” running his eye down -the list in which Judith had inserted a minute -description of the jewelry. “Hold on, here’s one -item, a locket—with nothing checked against it—has -the locket any distinguishing mark?”</p> - -<p>Footsteps behind Judith caused her to whirl -around, and she saw Richards stop behind her -chair.</p> - -<p>“I couldn’t get away any sooner,” he explained. -“Your mother detained me in the dining room. -Good-morning, Ferguson; has my wife told you of -the disappearance of her jewelry?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, Major, and I was just asking her for -details to aid in identifying it at the pawn shops,” -Ferguson again referred to the list he was holding. -“What about that locket, Mrs. Richards?”</p> - -<p>Judith closed her mesh bag with a snap and the -quick tilt upward of her chin indicated to -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</span>Richards, who had grown to know each mood and -tense, that she had reached a sudden decision.</p> - -<p>“The locket bore the word ‘Mizpah,’ in -raised lettering,” she stated. “Otherwise it is -insignificant in appearance.”</p> - -<p>“Do you attach any particular value to it?” -questioned Ferguson.</p> - -<p>“No money value,” she responded quietly, and -the detective looked sharply at her.</p> - -<p>“I see; you mean it is a trinket of importance -from sentiment only,” he commented.</p> - -<p>It was Major Richards who answered and not -his wife. “You’ve hit it,” he laughed. “I presume -Mrs. Richards values the locket more highly -than rubies.”</p> - -<p>Judith looked at him oddly before turning to the -detective. “I have a request to make of you, -Mr. Ferguson,” she began, without preface. “It -is that you make no mention of the loss of my -jewelry to any one. I am convinced that if we -conduct the search in secrecy, the thief will betray -himself.”</p> - -<p>Ferguson stroked his cheek thoughtfully. “I -don’t like the idea,” he objected. “I am a believer -in publicity myself.”</p> - -<p>“You have had plenty of publicity in the -Austin Hale case,” Richards pointed out dryly. -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</span>“I cannot see that it has advanced you very -far.”</p> - -<p>Ferguson reddened. “We haven’t told the -public all we know,” he admitted. “There are a -few cards up our sleeve.”</p> - -<p>“For instance?” and Richards’ smile was -tantalizing.</p> - -<p>“As to the nature of Hale’s wound”—the -detective paused abruptly—“but that will come -out in the medical evidence at the inquest.”</p> - -<p>“And when will the inquest be held?” demanded -Richards.</p> - -<p>“When we lay our hands on a material witness -necessary before we can present the case,” Ferguson -spoke with provoking slowness. “You will -learn all the facts in good time, Major; at present -certain clews cannot be divulged.”</p> - -<p>“I thought you were an advocate of publicity,” -Richards remarked, and again Ferguson flushed.</p> - -<p>“You’ve got me,” he acknowledged with a -show of good nature. “All right, Mrs. Richards, -I’ll conduct this investigation as quietly as possible. -But how are you going to prevent your -family’s knowing that you have lost your jewelry? -Won’t they comment when you don’t wear -it?”</p> - -<p>“If they do I shall say that I have put it in -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</span>my safe deposit box,” was Judith’s ready response. -“My father has frequently urged me to -do so in the past and with Austin’s death and the -theft of his watch, what’s more likely than that -I should place my jewelry in a safe place?”</p> - -<p>Ferguson nodded his approval. “That is a -wise argument,” he said. “No one can dispute -it. Now, about Mr. Hale’s watch,”—he turned -back the pages of his memorandum book until he -came to a certain entry—“can you describe it?”</p> - -<p>“In a general way,” Judith spoke with some -hesitation. “I have seen the watch often, but I -am not very observant.”</p> - -<p>Ferguson considered her for some seconds in -silence. He disagreed with her statement—Judith, -in his opinion, was not the heedless type; -her detailed description of her jewelry, safely -tucked away in his pocket, proved that.</p> - -<p>“What was the watch like, Mrs. Richards?” -he asked for the second time.</p> - -<p>“It was an antique, made before the Revolution, -so family tradition has it,” she stated, “an -open-faced watch, wound with a key and the dial -has an American eagle beautifully etched upon -it.”</p> - -<p>Ferguson took down her words, closed his notebook -and rose.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</span></p> - -<p>“I am greatly obliged,” he said. “It should -not be difficult to trace young Hale’s watch and -also your jewelry if the thief tries to dispose of -it. But that,” he stared at her, “presupposes it -was the work of an ordinary thief.”</p> - -<p>“And what leads you to think otherwise?” -asked Judith swiftly.</p> - -<p>Ferguson took several steps toward the door -and hesitated in some uncertainty. “Your jewelry -was stolen by some one familiar with your -habits and familiar with the arrangement of these -rooms,” he stated gravely. “There is no possible -way of entering your bedroom save through this -boudoir, as all your windows were found locked -on the inside. How the thief stole by you and -your husband unobserved while you sat here, we -have yet to discover. But, take it from me, the -thief was a member of this household. Good-morning.” -Not pausing for reply, the detective -vanished.</p> - -<p>“A member of this household,” repeated -Richards thoughtfully. “Judith, have you no -suspicion—no clew?” and his eyes searched her -face anxiously.</p> - -<p>Judith leaned back in her chair and gradually -her tense muscles relaxed.</p> - -<p>“I have no clew,” she replied. “But—tell -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</span>me, when you got that glass of water for me, -did you glance at all into our bedroom?”</p> - -<p>Richards pressed down the tobacco in his pipe -and hunted through his pockets for a match.</p> - -<p>“Did I look into our bedroom?” he asked. -“I may have looked, but I can’t swear to it.”</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</span></p> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XIV">CHAPTER XIV<br /> -<span class="smaller">SUSPICION</span></h2></div> - -<p class="no-indent"><span class="smcap"><span class="dropcap">A</span> door</span> slammed and hasty footsteps -sounded down the corridor, then a -figure blocked the doorway to the sitting -room of Latimer’s bachelor apartment.</p> - -<p>“She’s gone!”</p> - -<p>Latimer dropped the Sunday newspaper he had -been reading and stared at John Hale. For a -moment he had not recognized his friend’s voice—it -was hoarse, discordant.</p> - -<p>“She—who?” he exclaimed, springing to his -feet.</p> - -<p>“Polly.” John Hale swayed slightly, then -lunged for the nearest chair and dropped into it. -Latimer wasted no words, but poured out a liberal -pony of brandy and placed it in his hand.</p> - -<p>“Feel better?” he asked, watching the color -steal back into John Hale’s white cheeks as he -put the empty brandy glass on the mantel. Not -receiving an answer to his query, he busied himself -about the room which served as library and -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</span>office. A colored factotum who “went with the -apartment” served his breakfasts; the other meals -Latimer took at his club or at Rauscher’s. His -two rooms, bath, and kitchenette were unusually -large, owing to the building having been, before -the World War, a private residence. The architect, -in remodeling it, had been generous in his -allotment of space.</p> - -<p>At the end of ten minutes John Hale pulled -himself together and signed to Latimer to draw -up a chair.</p> - -<p>“Sorry I made such a fool of myself,” he began, -“but I’m hard hit.”</p> - -<p>Latimer looked at him in distress. “What is -wrong?” he asked.</p> - -<p>“Polly’s gone.”</p> - -<p>“So you stated before. Where has she gone?”</p> - -<p>“I can’t find out.” John Hale drummed his -fingers nervously up and down his walking stick -to which he still clung. “You know I called up -Mrs. Davis after our fruitless trip to Chevy Chase. -She said Polly had come in and gone to bed.”</p> - -<p>“Well, it was pretty late when we got back,” -Latimer pointed out.</p> - -<p>“Yes, thanks to that traffic cop.” John Hale -frowned angrily. “I’d have seen Polly if he -hadn’t insisted on taking us to the police station.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</span></p> - -<p>“Your previous record for speeding was -against you, John,” remarked Latimer mildly. -“But what about Polly?”</p> - -<p>“This morning I ran over to see her; found -her mother in tears, and a trained nurse looking -after her and—” John Hale stopped and pulled -out a crumpled note—“here, read for yourself,” -and tossed it to him.</p> - -<p>Latimer scanned the few lines:</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> -<p class="no-indent"><span class="smcap">Dear Mother</span>:</p> - -<p>Nurse Phelps will spend a few days with you in -my absence. Have run off for that promised change. -Don’t worry, darling.</p> - -<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Polly.</span></p></div> - -<p>“Well?” he asked as he returned the note.</p> - -<p>“Mrs. Davis told me that she had wished -Polly to take a vacation for some time and visit -their cousin, Mrs. Paul Davis, at Markham, Virginia. -She believed Polly had gone there.” -John Hale paused. “I’ve just talked with Mrs. -Paul Davis on the long distance telephone. -Polly is not with her, and not expected.”</p> - -<p>Latimer regarded John Hale in bewilderment. -“Then where has she gone?” he questioned.</p> - -<p>“I have no idea.” Again John Hale played -with his walking stick.</p> - -<p>Latimer considered him gravely. “What am -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</span>I to infer?” he asked. “That Polly has disappeared?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“But, my heavens, man! Why?”</p> - -<p>John Hale shifted his walking stick from one -hand to the other. “Overwork,” he said briefly; -“unbalanced.”</p> - -<p>“Good Lord!” Again Latimer considered -him. “Polly did not look ill.”</p> - -<p>“But she was,” fiercely. “Any fool could -have seen it.”</p> - -<p>“Possibly so,” agreed Latimer quietly. “I -haven’t seen Polly as frequently as you or -Austin.”</p> - -<p>John Hale’s strong white teeth snapped viciously -at his under lip.</p> - -<p>“Leave Austin’s name out of it”—his manner -was dictatorial in the extreme and Latimer -flushed.</p> - -<p>“I will, with pleasure, but”—he hesitated, -then disregarding John Hale’s glare, continued -steadily—“are you quite sure that Austin’s -tragic death has not had something to do with -Polly’s—as you claim—mental condition?”</p> - -<p>John Hale compressed his lips ominously. -“No,” he declared. “Get such an idea out of -your head at once.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</span></p> - -<p>“I can’t,” Latimer confessed frankly. “Austin -and Polly were engaged.”</p> - -<p>“Were? Quite so.” John Hale’s laugh was -mirthless. “The engagement was broken by -Polly before his death.”</p> - -<p>“How soon before his death?”</p> - -<p>“Damn! What business is it of yours?” -John Hale turned on him savagely.</p> - -<p>Latimer rose. “None of my business—now,” -he said. “You were the first to bring up -the discussion. You are of course at liberty to -express your views; I reserve the right to hold -my own opinion. Good-morning.”</p> - -<p>“Here, wait—” John Hale pushed Latimer -back in his chair. “I spoke hastily—without -thought—and I apologize. I’m a bit unhinged.”</p> - -<p>Latimer regarded him with concern.</p> - -<p>“Have you had any breakfast?” he asked.</p> - -<p>“No—yes—coffee and rolls; all I wanted,” -John Hale moved restlessly. “I must find -Polly.”</p> - -<p>“Have you reported her disappearance to the -police?”</p> - -<p>“No, certainly not; we must have no scandal,” -John Hale frowned. “You and I must find -Polly.”</p> - -<p>“Willingly—but how are we to go about it?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</span></p> - -<p>“For one thing, you can call on Mrs. Davis -under pretense of wishing to engage Polly as your -stenographer, and she will probably give you her -present address. You may get more out of her -than I did. Frankly,”—John Hale gave an embarrassed -laugh—“Mrs. Davis’ manner to me -has been very peculiar lately. To-day she appeared -almost to resent my questions regarding -Polly’s whereabouts.”</p> - -<p>Latimer whistled. “So!” he exclaimed. -“She may be aiding Polly to avoid you.”</p> - -<p>“That hadn’t occurred to me,” John Hale admitted. -“But why? She knows I am Polly’s -best friend.”</p> - -<p>Latimer took out his cigarette case and offered -it to his companion. With his left hand he indicated -the box of matches on the smoking stand at -Hale’s elbow.</p> - -<p>“Have you and Polly quarreled?” he asked.</p> - -<p>It took a few seconds for John Hale to light -his cigarette. “No,” he said between puffs. -Then, removing his cigarette, he looked straight -at Latimer. “Polly is everything to me,” he -stated solemnly. “I will never give her up. She -shall be my wife,” and his clenched fist struck -the arm of his chair a resounding blow. “Austin, -dead or alive, shall not come between us.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</span></p> - -<p>Latimer looked at him and then away. In the -glance he had detected a glimpse of the man he -had never seen before—he had never suspected. -In that instant a naked soul had been bared in all -its human frailties.</p> - -<p>“Austin has always been a disappointment to -me,” John Hale continued—he spoke almost as -if communing with himself and forgetful of -Latimer’s presence. “For his mother’s sake I -condoned his wild habits while at college, his -affairs with women,”—his voice rasped through -the room—“then he dared to play fast and loose -with Polly.”</p> - -<p>“He did?” Latimer looked up, startled. -“Good Lord, you don’t suppose—?” he winced -under John Hale’s iron grip and stopped speaking.</p> - -<p>“I suppose nothing,” John Hale spoke with -fierce intentness. “Austin had enemies, but -Polly was not one of them—she had taken his -measure and ceased to care.”</p> - -<p>Latimer broke the ensuing silence.</p> - -<p>“Then why has Polly bolted?” he asked.</p> - -<p>John Hale winced and tapped his cane against -his shoe.</p> - -<p>“Polly is ill from overwork,” he insisted -doggedly. “Come, we are wasting time. Suppose<span class="pagenum" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</span> -I run you down to Polly’s house and you can -question Mrs. Davis. You are not busy, are -you?” with a quick look about the room.</p> - -<p>“No; I’ll be with you in a minute,” and -Latimer, true to his word, kept him waiting only -long enough to get his overcoat and hat.</p> - -<p>Fifteen minutes later Latimer was mounting -the high steps of the old-fashioned mansion on -C Street where Polly and her mother eked out a -small and steadily shrinking income by taking -“paying guests,” a profitable business during the -World War, but one that had grown less so with -the departure of the army of war-workers who -had transformed Washington from a city of -leisure into one of volcanic activity and unpleasant -congestion. It was not until Latimer’s patience -had grown threadbare with repeated rapping -and long intervals of waiting that a small, neatly -dressed colored girl, seemingly not over fifteen -years of age, opened the door and invited him -to walk inside.</p> - -<p>“Magnolia,” called a voice from the direction -of the back stairs. “Show the gentleman into -the parlor.”</p> - -<p>“Yassam,” Magnolia’s expansive smile disclosed -a row of perfect teeth. “Dis hyar way, -suh; de madam will be long d’reckly. Who did -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</span>you say, suh?” evidently impressed with his -stylish frock coat and neatly creased trousers. -“Miss Polly done gone away.”</p> - -<p>“I wish to see Mrs. Davis,” and Latimer -handed her a visiting card.</p> - -<p>“Yas, suh, sutenly, suh.” Magnolia, meeting -his friendly smile, grinned from ear to ear, then -bolted with astonishing rapidity out of the room. -She was totally oblivious of the fact that her -youthful, penetrating voice, raised to a pitch to -reach Mrs. Davis standing on the top stair landing, -carried her words to Latimer’s ears.</p> - -<p>“Dar’s a splendiferous lookin’ gentle’um in his -Sunday clothes waitin’ ter see yo’; no, ma’am, he -didn’t arsk fo’ Miss Polly, jes’ fo’ you’—he’s -got on great big spectacles and a top hat. What -dat—you wish de gentle’um’s cyard? Laws, -’scuse me, I done forgot”—and with a loud -snicker, Magnolia raced up the steps and pushed -the pasteboard into Mrs. Davis’s outstretched -hand.</p> - -<p>Latimer had met Mrs. Davis a number of times -at Mrs. Hale’s and she had chaperoned a number -of parties given in Polly’s honor by John Hale. -She looked extremely pretty, with her soft gray -hair becomingly dressed, her cheeks, unwrinkled -in spite of multiplied cares, held a deeper touch -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</span>of color as she entered the parlor and greeted -Latimer. He admired her gentle manner and her -air of breeding which no contact with the rough -workaday world had the power to efface.</p> - -<p>“I trust I have not disturbed you by selecting -this unconventional hour to call,” he began, seating -himself somewhat gingerly on the edge of a -rickety antique chair which had been the pride of -Polly’s great grandfather. “Your maid said -that Miss Polly was out, and as my errand is -somewhat urgent, I asked to see you.”</p> - -<p>Mrs. Davis’s brilliant color receded somewhat -and her left hand played nervously with her chain -of coral from which was suspended a gold locket.</p> - -<p>“You are always welcome,” she said, “no -matter what your errand.”</p> - -<p>“Thanks,” and Latimer, much touched, smiled -with equal cordiality. “I am in immediate need -of a first class stenographer, and I wondered if I -could persuade Miss Polly to forsake Robert Hale -and come to me. I will double her present -salary.”</p> - -<p>Mrs. Davis drew in her breath. “That is a -handsome offer,” she exclaimed. “Of course I -cannot answer for Polly, but, as she has already -resigned her position with Robert Hale—”</p> - -<p>“She has resigned, then?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</span></p> - -<p>“Yes.” Mrs. Davis looked her surprise at the -abruptness of the question. “I—I did not approve -of her working so late at night. Mr. Hale -is kind in his way, but he is most exacting. The -idea of keeping her out until long after midnight -on Tuesday, and night before last, and then letting -her come home in the street cars! He might -at least, have sent her home in his limousine.” -Mrs. Davis came to an indignant pause and Latimer -looked his sympathy.</p> - -<p>“Miss Polly will have no night work to do -for me,” he said. “And the office hours are not -long—the Stock Exchange closes early, you -know, and not much business is transacted after -that.”</p> - -<p>Mrs. Davis nodded her head wisely. “I realize -that,” she agreed. “The stock market appears -a bit more lively just now, Mr. Latimer. -Tell me,”—and she lowered her voice to a confidential -pitch—“how are the Troy Valve bonds -rated now?”</p> - -<p>“They have picked up five points.” Latimer -regarded her in some surprise. “I did not know -you took an interest in the stock market, Mrs. -Davis.”</p> - -<p>She colored painfully. “In former years we -were large stockholders,” she said; “now, alas, -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</span>our securities have shrunk to these of Valve -bonds. I must tell Polly what you say. It is -always well to sell on a rising market, isn’t it?”</p> - -<p>“If you wish to sell, yes,” dryly. Latimer, -conscious of the passing time, was having difficulty -concealing his uneasiness as he thought of -John Hale waiting a block away in his car. In -his impatience he might forget the rôle he had cast -for Latimer and, instead of awaiting the latter’s -return, walk in at any moment and, by incautious -questions, betray his own plot to discover Polly’s -whereabouts. “How soon will Miss Polly be -in?”</p> - -<p>“Oh, she is at Markham, Virginia, with my -cousin, Mrs. Paul Davis,” she responded easily. -“You had best write to her there or, if you prefer, -I will write and tell her of your offer.”</p> - -<p>“That is kind of you.” Latimer had some -difficulty schooling his voice to the proper pitch -of enthusiasm for his rôle. “But I must have -Miss Polly’s answer to-day. Can we not call her -up on the long distance? I see your telephone is -in that corner”—and he stepped toward it.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Davis stopped him with a gesture. “No -use, Mrs. Paul Davis has no telephone,” she -stated calmly. “I can send my letter special delivery -and she will get it to-day and wire to-morrow<span class="pagenum" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</span> -morning when the telegraph office is -open.”</p> - -<p>“That would perhaps be best.” Latimer made -no effort, however, to conceal his disappointment. -“Is there any chance of Miss Polly’s returning -this afternoon?”</p> - -<p>“Hardly,” Mrs. Davis smiled in open amusement. -“She left for Markham only this morning.”</p> - -<p>“In that case it looks as if I shall have to -wait until to-morrow,” Latimer’s voice was rueful. -“I wish that I had asked John Hale to tell -Miss Polly last night that I wished to engage -her as my secretary.”</p> - -<p>“John did not see Polly last night.” A faint -hardness crept into Mrs. Davis’s softly modulated -tone. “She worked very late at the Hales’”—she -hesitated, looked up, and caught his sympathetic -expression. “Oh, Mr. Latimer, I cannot -help feeling that Polly sees too much of the Hales—thinks -too much of them and their interests—they -are so cold-blooded—so calculating. I -wish”—and her voice choked with feeling—“I -wish that she had been dead before she ever saw -John Hale.”</p> - -<p>Latimer regarded Mrs. Davis steadily. “John -is a good fellow,” he protested, “a loyal friend -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</span>and a devoted admirer of your daughter.” He -studied her covertly. “Much more so than -Austin—”</p> - -<p>“Ah, there you are wrong”—Mrs. Davis -stopped and cast a frightened look about the -room. “Poor Austin, I cannot realize that he -has gone from us. He was so full of life, so -anxious to succeed—his death is a tragedy.”</p> - -<p>“And a mystery,” supplemented Latimer -dryly.</p> - -<p>“A mystery indeed.” Mrs. Davis raised a -small perfumed handkerchief to her dry eyes. -“My heart goes out to the Hales, they have much -to endure.” Latimer stared—she was expressing -somewhat contradictory views about the Hale -family almost in one breath. She moved closer -to him. “Have the police discovered any fresh -clews?”</p> - -<p>“Not to my knowledge.” Latimer edged toward -the hall door. He dared not linger, every -extra moment might bring John Hale in search -of him. “Suppose you write to your daughter, -Mrs. Davis, and I will also send her a note within -the hour. If you have word from her will you -promise to let me know at once?”</p> - -<p>“Certainly.” Mrs. Davis accompanied him to -the front door. “I feel sure Polly will gladly -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</span>accept your offer. How soon would you wish -her to commence work?”</p> - -<p>“Immediately.”</p> - -<p>“Oh!” Mrs. Davis looked taken aback. “She -really needs rest and recreation, Mr. Latimer. -Remember, she has just started on her vacation.”</p> - -<p>Latimer thought a moment. “She might come -to me for a few weeks, just over this month, then -go on another vacation, or rather, continue this -one, with pay.”</p> - -<p>“I will write that to Polly.” She shook his -hand warmly. “I appreciate your kindness and -I am confident that Polly will come to you if -she is physically able.”</p> - -<p>“Then I am fortunate,” laughed Latimer. -Mrs. Davis’s smile was infectious.</p> - -<p>“Just a moment.” Mrs. Davis detained him -as he was about to run down the steps. Her -pretty coaxing manner reminded him of Polly—mother -and daughter were much alike in appearance; -only to Latimer’s fastidious taste, Mrs. -Davis was the more attractive. There was a certain -aggressiveness about Polly, in spite of her -good looks, which always repelled him. “Please -treat what I said just now about John Hale as -strictly confidential.”</p> - -<p>“Certainly, madam,” and Latimer returned -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</span>the pressure of her hand, then he continued down -the steps, her parting hail ringing in his ears:</p> - -<p>“Remember, not a word!”</p> - -<p>When Latimer rounded the corner into Pennsylvania -Avenue where John Hale had agreed -to wait for him, his face was grave. He said -nothing as he climbed into the car and dropped -down beside his friend, but as the car continued -up the avenue, he broke his silence.</p> - -<p>“I failed,” he admitted honestly, and a groan -of disappointment broke from John Hale. -“Don’t worry, I’ll get Polly’s address to-morrow. -Mrs. Davis thinks I called to engage Polly as -my secretary.”</p> - -<p>Had either Latimer or John Hale turned his -head and looked backward he could not have -failed to see a woman standing under a tree at -the corner of John Marshall Place. Their car -was lost in the traffic before Mrs. Davis, recovering -from a feeling of breathlessness produced by -the unusual exertion of running, turned slowly -homeward.</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</span></p> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XV">CHAPTER XV<br /> -<span class="smaller">THE PUSH BUTTON</span></h2></div> - -<p class="no-indent"><span class="smcap"><span class="dropcap">M</span>rs. Hale</span> contemplated Anna, the -waitress, with marked disapproval.</p> - -<p>“You should not attempt to exert -yourself until Dr. McLane gives you permission,” -she announced, with severity.</p> - -<p>“Dr. McLane told me to walk about as much -as possible, madam.” Anna’s manner was respectful -almost to the point of servility. “He -promised to be here this afternoon. Indeed, Mrs. -Hale, I’ll be careful. Don’t worry, madam.”</p> - -<p>“I suppose the doctor knows what he is about”—Mrs. -Hale, however, looked extremely doubtful -as she spoke. Her own attacks of illness were -distinct trials to every member of her family, -as her chronic objection to following the doctor’s -orders or taking his medicines generally retarded -her recovery and produced a wish that “the Old -Scratch” would get her, that opinion having been -voiced by a long-suffering trained nurse, whose -training had not included a course in insults.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</span></p> - -<p>“Dr. McLane is sometimes inclined to error,” -Mrs. Hale continued after a slight pause. -“Don’t take his directions too literally, Anna. -Modify them. If he said walk about for an hour, -cut it to one half. And never take a full dose of -anything prescribed, reduce it by one half.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, madam; thank you,” and Anna executed -a bob of a courtesy in spite of her injured ankle. -“Is there anything I can do for you?”</p> - -<p>“No, I think not. Now, mind what I say, -don’t overexert yourself.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, madam,” and Anna started for the door -only to be called back by Mrs. Hale.</p> - -<p>“As you go downstairs please tell Maud that -Mr. Latimer will lunch with us—that is, I think -he will, but he hasn’t answered my telephone -message.” Mrs. Hale thought a minute. -“Maud can put a place for him.”</p> - -<p>“Very well, madam.”</p> - -<p>“Wait, there’s one thing more.” Mrs. Hale -laid aside her knitting bag, preparatory to rising. -“See that the table is properly set, Anna, please. -Maud is—eh—not particular, and I am.”</p> - -<p>“I will set the table myself, madam.”</p> - -<p>“No, no, that is too much exertion for you, -Anna.”</p> - -<p>“But, madam, I am strong again, see”—and -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</span>Anna stepped across the room. Her limp was -slight. Mrs. Hale heaved a sigh of relief.</p> - -<p>“You have had a remarkable recovery,” she -exclaimed. “My remedies can be relied on to -effect a quick cure. By the way,”—the thought -of luncheon uppermost for the moment—“if -there is time enough, please make an apple salad.”</p> - -<p>“Certainly, madam. Is there anything else?”</p> - -<p>“No, I can think of nothing.” Mrs. Hale -wrinkled her brow, but no new ideas came to her -active brain. “Where is Miss Judith?”</p> - -<p>“In her boudoir, madam.” Anna, who had -taken several steps toward the door, paused. -“Maud told me just now that Miss Judith and -Detective Ferguson have been holding a long”—Anna -hesitated—“conference.”</p> - -<p>“Conference!” Mrs. Hale’s tone expressed -astonishment. “Oh!” and she stared at the -waiting servant. “That is all, Anna,” and the -waitress made her escape.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Hale crossed the drawing-room and stood -before the large gilt-framed wall mirror which -gave her a full length view of her figure. It took -several minutes to rearrange a bow of ribbon and -several pieces of jewelry, after which Mrs. Hale -proceeded leisurely to the third floor. She did -not often climb to that height, and, on reaching -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</span>the head of the stairs, she paused to take breath, -then, passing down the broad hall, she turned the -knob of a closed door and entered a semidarkened -room.</p> - -<p>It took her several seconds to pull up the -Holland shades of the dormer windows and flood -the bedroom with sunlight. When she turned -around she saw a man sitting on the edge of the -bed watching her. A slight scream broke from -her and she swayed dizzily. With a bound the -man gained her side.</p> - -<p>“Don’t be frightened, Mrs. Hale. It is only -I, Detective Ferguson,” he explained. “I -thought you saw me when you first entered the -room.”</p> - -<p>Mrs. Hale shook her head as she sank into the -chair he placed for her.</p> - -<p>“Dear me,” she exclaimed, “I declare you gave -me quite a turn. I had no idea I should find any -one in Austin’s bedroom.” Resentment against -its cause conquered her fright in some measure -and she whirled on him. “What are you doing -here?”</p> - -<p>“I might ask the question of you,” he retorted -coolly seating himself opposite her.</p> - -<p>“Upon my word!” Mrs. Hale continued to -stare at him. Then, as he evinced no desire to -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</span>address her, her manner changed. “I heard you -were in the house,” she began, ignoring his question -as he had hers; “and I intended to ask you -not to leave until I had seen you.”</p> - -<p>“Indeed?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.” Mrs. Hale’s manner was graciousness -itself. “And I am glad to have this opportunity -for a private interview.”</p> - -<p>“Yes?” Ferguson resorted to brevity while -striving to divine a reason for her sudden change -of manner.</p> - -<p>“I have wanted so much to question you,” she -announced. “Have you made any progress in -solving the mystery of Austin’s death?”</p> - -<p>“It depends on what you term ‘progress,’” he -responded dryly.</p> - -<p>“Have you discovered any clew to his—his -murderer?” she hesitated over the last word. -“Now, don’t put me off with stupid evasions,” -she added. “How do you know, if we talk over -details <i>together</i>,” with marked emphasis, “that I -may not be able to detect some point of vital importance -which <i>you</i> may have overlooked?”</p> - -<p>Ferguson gazed at her reflectively. There was -something in what she said. Was she really the -fool he had taken her for all along? If she was, -and she held some knowledge which would aid -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</span>him in elucidating the Hale mystery, it would be -to his advantage to win her confidence—if -necessary, with a show of confidence on his part.</p> - -<p>“That is not a bad idea,” he acknowledged. -“I’ve handled many puzzling cases, but this one,”—he -paused—“this one has taken the lead”; -then, as she started to interrupt him, he added, -“Here are the facts so far known,”—he smiled—“publicly. -Young Austin Hale—by the way, -what was his exact relationship to you?”</p> - -<p>“A nephew by adoption, at which time Austin -assumed the name of Hale,” was her concise -reply, so unlike her usual flowery style of conversation -that it drew a smile from the detective. -“His proper name was Payne—Austin Payne.”</p> - -<p>“I see.” Ferguson was watching her as a cat -watches a mouse. He had maneuvered his chair -so that his back was to the light while she faced -the sun’s merciless rays. “Austin returns to this -house unexpectedly on Tuesday night, is found -by your son-in-law, Major Richards, stabbed to -death, and not a soul in your house knows anything -about the tragedy.” Ferguson’s gesture -was expressive. “No weapon to be found but a -pair of shears, no motive for the crime but the -theft of a more or less valuable antique watch—a -watch whose very ownership would lead to an -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</span>arrest on suspicion. There was no trace of a -burglar’s having broken into the house. Therefore -the crime must have been committed by an -inmate of your house, Mrs. Hale.”</p> - -<p>“No, no!” she protested vehemently, and he -detected the whitening of her cheeks under the -delicately applied rouge.</p> - -<p>“And every member of your household has -an excellent alibi,” he went on, not heeding her -interruption. “There must be a flaw somewhere; -there has to be one.” And he lent emphasis -to his words by striking his clenched fist in -the palm of his left hand. “Now, where is the -flaw?”</p> - -<p>Mrs. Hale looked away from him, then back -again. “I wish I knew,” she wailed, and two -large tears rolled down her cheeks. “I’ve racked -my brain trying to find a solution to the mystery, -and at last I came up here—”</p> - -<p>“For what?”</p> - -<p>“To see if Austin dropped any paper—any -note paper, so big”—and she demonstrated an -approximate size while Ferguson listened eagerly. -“Austin must have had some reason for returning -so unexpectedly.”</p> - -<p>“Of course he did,” agreed Ferguson. “And -you think there may be a clew tucked away in this -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</span>bedroom. Well, we think alike in that. It is -the same line of reasoning which brought me up -here.” Mrs. Hale winked away her tears and -brightened visibly; she was easily influenced by -flattery and Ferguson’s tone of comradeship -tinged with admiration completely won her. -“This room has been thoroughly searched.”</p> - -<p>“But something may have been overlooked,” -she interrupted eagerly.</p> - -<p>“Exactly—suppose we look,” and, rising, -Ferguson aided her in her rapid investigation of -the bureau drawers. They were rewarded by -finding only a few articles of wearing apparel. -Her ardor somewhat dampened, Mrs. Hale accompanied -the detective to the closet and stepped -inside its commodious depths.</p> - -<p>“This is evidently the overcoat and hat Austin -was wearing on Tuesday night,” Ferguson -pointed out, holding them up for her inspection. -“And here is the coat of his suit,” removing it -from the hook as he spoke.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Hale shrank back, then shaking off her -slight feeling of repugnance she deliberately -searched every pocket—to find a silk handkerchief -and a gold card case in which were Austin’s -visiting cards.</p> - -<p>“Austin must have come direct to his bedroom -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_217">[Pg 217]</span>on reaching here Tuesday night,” Ferguson remarked -as he replaced the coat. “Why he went -downstairs in his vest and shirt sleeves, I cannot -imagine.”</p> - -<p>“Perhaps he was in the midst of dressing and -was called downstairs,” suggested Mrs. Hale and -her voice indicated pleased surprise at her own -astuteness.</p> - -<p>“Who called him?”</p> - -<p>“I haven’t the faintest idea”—she did not -lower her eyes before Ferguson’s penetrating gaze.</p> - -<p>“If it had been a woman,” mused Ferguson, -“he surely would have stopped to put on his -coat.”</p> - -<p>“Not if he was urgently needed downstairs.”</p> - -<p>“But who could have ‘urgently needed him’?” -questioned Ferguson swiftly. “Your daughter—”</p> - -<p>“Was unaware of his presence in the house,” -haughtily. “She stood in no need of Austin’s -assistance—put that idea out of your head instantly.”</p> - -<p>“You misunderstood me,” he protested. “I -was only going to say that your daughter was the -only woman on the next floor.”</p> - -<p>“So we suppose.”</p> - -<p>Ferguson caught her up. “Do you suspect another<span class="pagenum" id="Page_218">[Pg 218]</span> -woman was here?” he demanded. “If so -who was it—one of your servants?”</p> - -<p>“No, they were asleep in their rooms.” Mrs. -Hale resumed her seat. She was commencing to -feel fatigued. “You have assured yourself of -that.”</p> - -<p>“Yes,” acknowledged Ferguson. “We can -eliminate them. I am, however, considering all -the women who <i>might</i> have been here. You—”</p> - -<p>“I?” Although Mrs. Hale laughed heartily in -amusement, there was a false note in her somewhat -high-pitched voice. “You surely do not -suspect <i>me</i>? Why, my dear man, I was at the -French Embassy reception; there are plenty of -friends to testify to that besides my brother-in-law, -John Hale, who took me to the reception and -brought me home. You were here when we both -arrived.”</p> - -<p>Ferguson laughed with her. “I was just running -over the people who belong in this house,” -he explained. “Your husband was ill—”</p> - -<p>“And in bed,” she interpolated.</p> - -<p>“The servants in their quarters; Mrs. Richards -in her room—at least”—with a sharp look -at her. “She was in her room, was she not?”</p> - -<p>“Certainly. She has a suite of rooms on the -floor below.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</span></p> - -<p>“I was just in there.” Ferguson paused, then -went back to what he had been saying. “Major -Richards was at the Metropolitan Club on Tuesday -night.”</p> - -<p>“So he told us.” Mrs. Hale raised her hands -and dropped them with a hopeless gesture. -“Every person is accounted for—we are just -where we started.”</p> - -<p>“Not quite.” Ferguson hesitated and glanced -about the room. Mrs. Hale, upon entering, had -closed the door behind her, and there seemed no -likelihood of their conversation’s being overheard. -“I found on further inquiry at the Metropolitan -Club that Major Richards was last seen there -about midnight. The doorman on duty Tuesday -night declares he did not see him leave the club, -and does not know the hour of his departure for -home.”</p> - -<p>“Well, what of that?” questioned Mrs. Hale, -as he stopped.</p> - -<p>“This: according to Major Richards, he -reached this house about twenty minutes past one -o’clock in the morning and he was last seen in -the club a little before midnight. It leaves an -hour of his time unaccounted for, and it was during -that hour that Austin Hale was murdered.”</p> - -<p>Mrs. Hale sat speechless for a minute. “Preposterous!”<span class="pagenum" id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</span> -she exclaimed hotly, recovering from -her surprise “Why should Major Richards kill -a man he does not know?”</p> - -<p>Ferguson glanced uneasily at her and came to a -quick decision.</p> - -<p>“Suppose Major Richards came home and -found Austin talking to his wife and became -jealous—”</p> - -<p>Mrs. Hale bounced out of her chair. “How -dare you insinuate that Judith was having an affair -with Austin?” she demanded. “You are -most insulting—I shall inform Major Richards—”</p> - -<p>“My dear madam, pray, calm yourself,” -Ferguson begged, appalled by the storm he had -provoked. “I thought we agreed to talk over all -aspects of the Hale murder—it was your own -suggestion.”</p> - -<p>“Certainly it was, but I did not expect—” -Mrs. Hale sniffed. “If you ask Major Richards -to account for all his time Tuesday night he will -do so, I am convinced. A man of his temperament -and record—”</p> - -<p>“Where is his record?” broke in Ferguson. -“What is his record? I cannot learn anything -about him.”</p> - -<p>“His record is on file in the War Department.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_221">[Pg 221]</span></p> - -<p>“His army record, yes.” Ferguson pulled out -his watch and jumped to his feet “Pardon me, -Mrs. Hale, but I have a consultation at my office -and must leave at once.”</p> - -<p>“Tell me before you go,”—Mrs. Hale detained -him with a gesture—“did you find anywhere -among Austin’s belongings either here or -in New York a railroad ticket?”</p> - -<p>“A ticket? No.” Ferguson eyed her sharply. -“Why?”</p> - -<p>“I was wondering if he had just stopped over -a train on his way south,” she explained glibly. -“It was just an idea—don’t let me detain you -longer.”</p> - -<p>Ferguson halted in indecision; however, his engagement -brooked no further delay if he was to -be on time for it. He could question Mrs. Hale -later in the day.</p> - -<p>“I will return,” he said. “But if you desire -me at any time, please telephone, Mrs. Hale. -Good-morning.”</p> - -<p>Left to her own resources, Mrs. Hale diligently -searched the room. She had about decided to -stop, disgusted with her lack of results when on -feeling about in the depths of the top drawer of -Austin’s bureau she touched a small book, and -pulled it out. On its leather cover she saw -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_222">[Pg 222]</span>stamped in gold the insignia of a Senior secret -society at Yale.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Hale turned over several of the leaves and -glanced down the pages, hesitated a moment then, -placing the book in her convenient knitting bag, -she proceeded to the dining room to make certain -that Maud had properly set the luncheon table. -She was particular about small household details. -As she passed the door of Judith’s boudoir she -failed to see Richards standing somewhat in its -shadow regarding her. Richards was still gazing -after her retreating figure when Judith, who was -in their bedroom dressing for luncheon, called to -him.</p> - -<p>“Please ring for Maud,” she asked as he appeared, -and obediently he returned to the boudoir -and reached for the push button. The act was -mechanical, and it was not until he had made three -attempts to ring the bell that he realized that the -small object he was fingering was not the push -button.</p> - -<p>Richards stepped back and surveyed the boudoir -walls. The bell he sought was on the other -side of the door leading into their bedroom. After -pressing the button he walked back and examined -the little object on the opposite wall. To all -intents and purposes it resembled an electric push -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_223">[Pg 223]</span>button, hanging just below an enlarged photograph -of Mrs. Hale.</p> - -<p>Richards’ strong sensitive fingers felt behind -the framed photograph until they encountered a -tiny wire. It wound in and out along the picture -wire until it encountered the wires of the branch -telephone. He stood in deep thought for some -minutes, then walked into the bedroom.</p> - -<p>“Can I be of service, dear?” he asked his -wife. “Maud hasn’t answered the bell.”</p> - -<p>Judith, wrestling with a refractory hook, shook -her head. “Thanks, but Maud’s clever fingers -are needed to disentangle this mess,” she said. -“Do you mind running downstairs and telling -her to come to me? The bell must be out of -order.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll have her here in a jiffy,” Richards answered, -but, once in the hall, his footsteps lagged.</p> - -<p>No one was in sight, and getting down on his -knees he felt along the telephone wire which ran -on top of the wall board. The same fine wire was -fastened in place alongside it. Step by step -Richards traced the two wires running side by side -until they crossed the door-jamb of Mr. and Mrs. -Robert Hale’s bedroom. They were old-fashioned -in their ideas and occupied the same room.</p> - -<p>Richards tapped, first gently, then more loudly, -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_224">[Pg 224]</span>on the partly opened door and getting no response, -he walked inside. It was a large room filled with -handsome mahogany furniture, the carved four-post -bedstead taking up the greater space. But -Richards had eyes for but one object standing on -a table in an obscure corner of the room, with a -soft typewriter cover partly concealing the receivers -and earpieces from view. Walking over -to it, Richards lifted the cover and examined the -instrument. When he laid the cover down his -expression indicated incredulity and a dawning -horror.</p> - -<p>With what object had Robert Hale or his wife, -or both, placed a dictograph in Judith’s boudoir?</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_225">[Pg 225]</span></p> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XVI">CHAPTER XVI<br /> -<span class="smaller">LINKS IN THE CHAIN</span></h2></div> - -<p class="no-indent"><span class="smcap"><span class="dropcap">A</span>nna</span>, the waitress, answered Robert -Hale’s persistent ring of the front bell -with all the speed her strained ankle -would permit. At sight of her, Hale restrained -an outburst of temper and with a mumbled, -“Thanks,” stamped past her into the central hall -of his home.</p> - -<p>“Is my brother in the house, Anna?” he inquired, -tossing down his overcoat and hat on the -first chair he came to.</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir, I believe so.” Anna closed the front -door as an icy current of air blew her becoming -cap at right angles. “His hat and cane are here -on the coat stand, and I heard him ask Mr. Latimer -to go to his room with him as they left the -dining room after luncheon.”</p> - -<p>Hale paused on his way to the library. “Who -lunched here?”</p> - -<p>“Mrs. Hale, Miss Judith, Major Richards, Mr. -Latimer, and Mr. John, sir,” Anna explained in -detail. “Mrs. Hale complained of a headache -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_226">[Pg 226]</span>and the Major volunteered to take her for a run -in Miss Judith’s electric.”</p> - -<p>“Did Miss Judith accompany them?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir.”</p> - -<p>Hale looked at the pretty waitress. It was the -first time that he had seen her since her injury to -her ankle. Contrary to expectations, he had not -returned for luncheon but had remained at the -club.</p> - -<p>“How are you feeling, Anna?” he asked -kindly. “Not overdoing it by being about too -soon, are you?”</p> - -<p>“No, sir.” Anna flushed with pleasure. Hale -seldom addressed her, much less took an interest -in her welfare, and she had some ado to conceal -her surprise. “I’m feeling fine, sir. Is there -anything I can do for you, sir, before I go upstairs?”</p> - -<p>“You are going upstairs?” Hale halted. -“Then please stop at Mr. John’s room and -tell him that I would like to see him alone in the -den.”</p> - -<p>“Very good, sir,” and Anna sought the back -stairs and limped her way to the third floor.</p> - -<p>John Hale’s bedroom was almost directly opposite -that occupied by his stepson Austin. As -Anna came down the hall she was greeted by -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_227">[Pg 227]</span>tobacco smoke which drifted through the open -transom over John Hale’s door. In response to -her knock he came into the hall.</p> - -<p>“If you please, Mr. John, your brother wishes -to see you alone in the den,” she said.</p> - -<p>“Now?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir, I suppose so. Mr. Hale just said -that he would like to see you,” and having delivered -her message, Anna executed her bob of a -courtesy and went her way.</p> - -<p>John Hale walked back into his bedroom with -a scowling face, and over to the divan where -Frank Latimer lounged, smoking his inevitable -cigarette.</p> - -<p>“Robert’s sent for me,” he stated. “What do -you suppose he is up to?”</p> - -<p>Latimer dropped his cigarette in the smoking -stand and stood up.</p> - -<p>“Mrs. Davis told me, you recollect, that Polly -had resigned her position as his secretary,” he -reminded him. “Probably your brother has just -received a note from her.”</p> - -<p>“By Jove!” John Hale’s scowl vanished. -“The note may give Polly’s address. Come on, -Frank,” and he made for the door, followed in a -more leisurely fashion by his companion.</p> - -<p>“Didn’t your brother send word that he wished -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_228">[Pg 228]</span>to see you alone?” he asked. “I thought I heard -Anna tell you so.”</p> - -<p>“She did, that’s true”—John Hale paused at -the head of the staircase. “Wait for me, will -you? I won’t be long. And then, if there is no -address on Polly’s note, we’ll motor to Markham -and see for ourselves if Polly is there or not.”</p> - -<p>“But, look here—”</p> - -<p>“No ‘buts,’” John Hale slapped him on the -back. The prospect of action had brought back -his spirits. “You’ve got to see me through this, -Frank, for the sake of ‘auld lang syne.’ You’ve -kept me out of trouble before, remember that”—and -he gripped Latimer’s hand and wrung it.</p> - -<p>“It looks as if I had contracted for a big job,” -groaned Latimer, expanding his fingers which -tingled from John Hale’s pressure. “I’ll gladly -turn you over to Polly with my blessings. I’ll -wait for you in the library, but don’t be long.”</p> - -<p>“All right,” and the two friends parted on the -second floor.</p> - -<p>John Hale did not go at once to his brother’s -den. Instead, he watched Latimer disappear -down the circular staircase, then very slowly -crossed the hall and looked inside Judith’s boudoir. -It was empty. With indecision written -plainly on his face, he turned about and sought -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_229">[Pg 229]</span>the den. Robert Hale looked up from his desk, -where he was writing with feverish speed, as his -brother entered.</p> - -<p>“Close the door, John,” he directed, and waited -in silence until his brother had crossed the room -and stood by the fireplace, in which a gas log -burned. “Sit down.”</p> - -<p>John Hale regarded his brother with no -friendly eyes. He had always resented what he -termed “Robert’s elder brother act,” and his dictatorial -manner generally grated, besides which -their natures were too diametrically opposed ever -to agree on any subject. John’s height and commanding -figure had always been a source of envy -to his delicate brother, while the latter’s scientific -achievements and financial prosperity had served -to widen the breach between them.</p> - -<p>“I can stay only a minute,” John announced, -lounging against the mantel. “What do you -wish to see me about?”</p> - -<p>Hale’s thin lips tightened into a straight line. -“Sit down first,”—his manner was a bit more -courteous—“and I will explain. No, take that -chair where you can face me,” and John, against -his wishes, dropped into a seat facing not only his -brother but the full glare of light from the window.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_230">[Pg 230]</span></p> - -<p>“Well, what is it?” he asked, as his brother -volunteered no remark.</p> - -<p>“Can you tell me the present whereabouts of -my secretary, Polly Davis?” asked Hale.</p> - -<p>“Why do you ask?”</p> - -<p>“Because she has sent me her resignation, and -I desire to find out where she has gone and why -she has skipped.”</p> - -<p>“Skipped?” There was instant anger in -John’s loud tone. “What d’ye mean, -‘skipped’?”</p> - -<p>“Run away, if you like it better.” It was impossible -to mistake Hale’s sneering manner. -With a curse, John started from his chair.</p> - -<p>“You—” he began.</p> - -<p>“Quiet, John,” cautioned Hale suavely. -“Hear what I have to say before you lose your -temper.”</p> - -<p>John dropped back in his chair. “Go on,” he -shouted, “but don’t try me too far; keep a civil -tongue when you speak of Polly—she is -pure and sweet and I’ll not have her character -defiled.”</p> - -<p>“And she met Austin here on Tuesday night,” -Hale commented dryly. “You know Austin’s -reputation—sit down!” as John again started to -his feet. “Either hear me to the end or leave -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_231">[Pg 231]</span>now,” and Hale threw himself back in his seat. -“I will not be interrupted every second.”</p> - -<p>With difficulty the younger brother mastered -his rage. At all cost he felt that he must get -information about Polly, and he could do so only -by maintaining self-control. He knew his -brother too well to doubt that if Hale awoke -to the fact that John desired such information he -would withhold it from sheer deviltry.</p> - -<p>“I am listening,” he said sullenly. “Only remember, -my time is valuable.”</p> - -<p>Hale smiled with his lips only. “Let us face -the situation,” he remarked. “Polly met Austin -here on Tuesday night—”</p> - -<p>“How do you know she did?” John demanded -hotly.</p> - -<p>“I saw her,” calmly.</p> - -<p>“You—” John stared at him. “You were -ill in bed.”</p> - -<p>“I was ill—but not in bed,” corrected Hale. -“Anna had forgotten to put a glass of ice water -on my bed table and, becoming thirsty, I got up, -walked down the hall and helped myself from -the pitcher and glasses which always stand there -at night.” He paused. “I started to return -when I thought I heard a woman crying and I -took several steps down the circular staircase—”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_232">[Pg 232]</span></p> - -<p>“Well?” prompted John, as his brother -stopped to take breath. “Continue.”</p> - -<p>“You are interested?” A mocking gleam -shone for an instant in Hale’s deep-set eyes. “I -glanced over the bannister into the central hall and -saw Polly Davis come out of the library.”</p> - -<p>The silence in the den grew oppressive. Suddenly -John Hale raised both hands and tugged at -his collar as if for air. Then, just as suddenly, -his hands fell to his sides.</p> - -<p>“What followed?” he asked, and Hale wondered -at the moderation of his tone. He had expected -a tongue-lashing at the least, if not a -physical encounter—his taut muscles relaxed and -he assumed an easier position.</p> - -<p>“Polly stood clinging to the portières for an -instant, then before I could call to her, she ran to -the front door and dashed outside,” Hale continued.</p> - -<p>“Did you go downstairs?” questioned John.</p> - -<p>“No, I did not feel equal to the exertion,” Hale -explained. “I returned to bed.”</p> - -<p>“What? Without going to see what Polly was -doing here and why she should be crying?” asked -John incredulously.</p> - -<p>Hale smiled cynically. “I have been brought -up on woman’s tears,” he remarked. “Agatha -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_233">[Pg 233]</span>has let loose the floodgates so often that I am -schooled to indifference. I supposed Polly had -been with Judith in the library, and it was not -until I was told of Austin’s death that I ascribed -another reason for her presence here after midnight.”</p> - -<p>John looked at him with bloodshot eyes. -“Don’t try me too far,” he warned. “It -wouldn’t take much to kill you,” and he extended -his powerful hands, fingers distended as if to grip -their prey.</p> - -<p>His brother watched him unmoved.</p> - -<p>“It is easy to kill a man—witness Austin’s -murder,” he commented. “But it is unpleasant -to swing for the crime. I am glad Polly has -bolted.”</p> - -<p>“You jump to conclusions,” retorted John. -“Because <i>you</i> saw Polly coming out of the library -it does not prove that she killed Austin, nor does -it prove that she knew he was here, nor that she -talked with him.”</p> - -<p>“That is true,” agreed Hale; “but in addition -to seeing her leave the library I know that she -had borrowed Agatha’s latchkey. I know she -expected to see Austin—”</p> - -<p>“Prove it,” John shouted. “I demand proof.”</p> - -<p>Hale unlocked his desk drawer, took out a -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_234">[Pg 234]</span>crumpled sheet of typewriting, and, still retaining -a firm hold on the sheet, extended it so that his -brother could read the words. “This is a page -copied from my manuscript,” he explained. -“Polly spoiled the sheet by reversing the carbon,”—he -turned it over and showed the impression on -the other side—“but before she did so she indicated -where her thoughts were straying by this”—and -his finger pointed to the typed lines, repeated -several times at the bottom of the sheet:</p> - -<p>“Saw Austin 10-t-b-53-76c.”</p> - -<p>“What gibberish is that?” asked John scornfully.</p> - -<p>“Not gibberish,” calmly, “but the combination -of my safe.”</p> - -<p>The striking of the clock as the hands registered -three sounded like a knell in John Hale’s ears. -His brother was the first to speak.</p> - -<p>“These links in the chain of evidence considered -separately are weak,” he admitted candidly, -“but taken together, they are strong.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t believe it,” protested John. “It is -all circumstantial evidence—”</p> - -<p>“To which Polly has lent substance by her disappearance,” -retorted Hale: “Had she stayed -here and continued as my secretary, attention -would not have been attracted to her.”</p> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_235">[Pg 235]</span></p> -<p>John did not reply at once and Hale, watching -him, noted his changed expression with bated -interest.</p> - -<p>“To sum up,”—Hale’s voice cut the silence -and scraped afresh John’s raw nerves—“Polly -was engaged to Austin—can you deny it?” -Receiving no reply, he went on, “Polly knew he -would be here Tuesday night, witness her presence -in the house at midnight; she supplied him -with the combination of my safe; she was seen -leaving the library at the very time he must have -been murdered, and his body was found lying near -the <i>open</i> safe—”</p> - -<p>“Hold on, she may have been here and all -that,” John broke in with rough vehemence, “but -some one else may have killed Austin even in her -presence—”</p> - -<p>“Then why has she not told the police?” -John remained silent, and his brother continued -speaking. “I hoped Polly would brave it out -here, and to reduce her anxieties—for I know -how pushed she is for money—I increased her -salary and held my tongue.”</p> - -<p>John stared at him long and intently before -again addressing him.</p> - -<p>“Why have you kept silent and not informed -the police of your suspicions?” he asked, curiously.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_236">[Pg 236]</span> -“Charity is not usually one of your -virtues.”</p> - -<p>“Austin deserved what he got,” Hale answered -slowly. “And—I was always fond of a sporting -chance. Therefore, John, find Polly and I -will aid you to finance a trip to a country where -extradition is not enforced.”</p> - -<p>John’s face flamed scarlet. Slowly his color -ebbed and his hands unclenched, and when he -spoke his voice was low and measured.</p> - -<p>“Where am I to find Polly?”</p> - -<p>Hale took a letter from his desk. “Polly -writes that she is called out of town and, not -knowing the date of her return, fears that she -will be unable to continue as my secretary, and -with every good wish, begs to remain faithfully -mine.” Hale shrugged his shoulders by way of -comment, and added: “The letter is dated this -morning, has no street address on it, and was -sent to my club. See for yourself,” and he tossed -the letter to him.</p> - -<p>John read the familiar writing several times, -then folding the sheet, tucked it in his pocket and -rose.</p> - -<p>“Is there anything else you wish to see me -about?” he asked.</p> - -<p>“No.” Hale turned carelessly back to his -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_237">[Pg 237]</span>desk. “Take a fool’s advice and do not procrastinate -in your search for Polly.”</p> - -<p>John walked in silence to the door. Once there, -he looked back and addressed his brother.</p> - -<p>“Some day I’ll wring your damn neck!” he -exclaimed, and his brother’s mocking laughter was -still ringing in his ears as he went down the circular -staircase.</p> - -<p>The sound of voices at the front door aroused -him from his thoughts, and, looking in that direction, -he saw Maud, the parlor maid, conversing -with a District messenger boy. She was in the -act of signing a receipt when an oblong package -on which she was trying to write, slipped from -her awkward fingers and struck with a resounding -thud on the marble floor of the vestibule. -There was a tinkle of broken glass as the tissue -paper covering burst. The messenger, scenting -trouble, snatched the receipt out of her hand and -bolted down the steps, while Maud, with a loud -exclamation, stooped and picked up the package.</p> - -<p>“Look at that, now!” she gasped in tragic -tones, as John Hale stopped beside her. -“What’ll I do? I’ve broken the crystal of Major -Richards’ watch.” And tearing off the remains -of the tissue paper, she held the piece of jewelry -before him.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_238">[Pg 238]</span></p> - -<p>John Hale scarcely heard her words, his attention -was entirely centered on the open-faced -watch. Small bits of crystal still clung to its -face, but the dial had not been injured and the -hands were intact.</p> - -<p>“Where did the watch come from?” he asked, -and at the eagerness in his voice Maud looked up.</p> - -<p>“It’s Major Richards’!” she explained. -“Jennings, the watchmaker on Fourteenth Street, -sent word by the boy that he couldn’t get it over -last night as promised, so he sent it this afternoon. -What will the Major say to me?” and -Maud’s distress found vent in a subdued sniff -presaging a burst of tears.</p> - -<p>“Don’t worry, Maud; I’ll explain to Major -Richards that the accident was unavoidable. Let -me have the watch,” and as Maud expressed voluble -thanks, he sped into the library, the watch -dangling from its chain.</p> - -<p>“Frank,” he cried. “Hurry, man, I’ve -found”—he checked himself at sight of Judith -sitting on the lounge talking to Latimer.</p> - -<p>Judith turned her head at his abrupt entrance -and looked at him, then her eyes wandered from -his excited face to the watch which he held at -arm’s length as he advanced toward them.</p> - -<p>“See!” he exclaimed, and rested the watch on -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_239">[Pg 239]</span>the tufted side of the lounge, where both Judith -and Latimer had a close view of its antique -beauty. Judith bent closer and when she straightened -up her face was flushed.</p> - -<p>“It is Austin’s watch!” she declared. “I can -swear to it.”</p> - -<p>“You need not swear—it is Austin’s watch,” -John Hale’s tone was cold and cutting. “But -you can explain how the watch came in the possession -of your husband, Major Richards.”</p> - -<p>Judith’s bright color faded. “It is in your -possession, and not in the possession of my husband,” -she retorted. “Had you not better do -the explaining?”</p> - -<p>“Willingly—the watch has been in my hands -just about four minutes.” John lifted the paper -tag attached to the chain. “Listen, Judith—‘Major -J. C. Richards—repair broken link in -chain and return immediately.’ Your husband -left the watch and chain with Jennings and he -has returned it.” John Hale moderated his rapid -speech and spoke with impressiveness. “Austin -was murdered and his watch stolen—that watch -has turned up ticketed with your husband’s name. -Kindly explain it.”</p> - -<p>Judith was conscious of the intent watchfulness -of her uncle and Frank Latimer as they waited -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_240">[Pg 240]</span>for her reply, and with all her will power she -strove to steady her voice.</p> - -<p>“My husband is out just now,” she stated -clearly. “When he returns he will explain everything -to our satisfaction.”</p> - -<p>“Will he?” John Hale’s high temper had -slipped control. “I see it all now. Your father -knows your husband killed Austin, and to save -family scandal has plotted evidence against Polly -Davis, even buying her silence and providing -funds to have her disappear.”</p> - -<p>“Have you taken leave of your senses?” demanded -Judith, breaking into his torrent of -words.</p> - -<p>“No, on the contrary, every faculty is on the -alert,” retorted John Hale. “By God, to think -of Robert’s trying to shield Richards by making -an innocent girl appear guilty. It’s an outrage -and I’ll expose every rotten one of you—”</p> - -<p>“Steady, John!” Latimer stepped in front -of him. “Go easy! You shan’t insult Judith -in my presence.”</p> - -<p>“Don’t you interfere. Judith shall learn the -truth about her rascally husband”—he waved -the watch in front of the white-faced girl. -“Richards took this watch from Austin as he -took your Valve bonds from your father’s safe. -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_241">[Pg 241]</span>I’ve got the goods on him, and he’ll swing for -Austin’s murder.”</p> - -<p>“He will not!” Judith’s voice rose, clear and -strong, and silenced even her overwrought uncle. -Her eyes glowed with passionate anger as she -faced him. “You dare to threaten me, Uncle -John?”</p> - -<p>“I dare to protect Polly Davis from underhand, -blackguardly treatment,” he replied. “It -is a frame-up.”</p> - -<p>“Is it?” Judith’s smile was dangerous. -“Go back to Polly and take her that watch. Tell -her there is a link missing in the chain you are -trying to forge and I have it, although she may -have the Mizpah locket. Go, both of you!”</p> - -<p>John Hale started as if stung. Then, without -a word he pocketed the watch and, seizing Latimer’s -arm, dragged him out of the room.</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_242">[Pg 242]</span></p> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XVII">CHAPTER XVII<br /> -<span class="smaller">THE DANCING SILHOUETTES</span></h2></div> - -<p class="no-indent"><span class="smcap"><span class="dropcap">O</span>n</span> hearing the slam of the front door -behind her uncle and Frank Latimer, -Judith went to the windowed alcove of -the library overlooking the street on which their -house faced and, concealed from the view of -passers-by, she watched John Hale and his companion -enter the former’s touring car and drive -off. Not until the car had turned the corner did -she relax her vigilant attitude, then, turning, she -paced up and down the floor. She could not keep -still. Her nerves were aquiver, her brain on fire.</p> - -<p>How had Austin’s antique watch come into her -husband’s possession? Again and again her lips -framed the same question—with but the one answer. -Richards must have taken it from Austin’s -dead body. But why—why? Austin was -wearing the watch when murdered; that she could -swear to. Had she not taken the Mizpah locket -from its chain in that awful moment when she -had first discovered his body and left the watch -with its dangling broken chain in his pocket?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_243">[Pg 243]</span></p> - -<p>What was it her husband had told her? She -pressed her fingers against her throbbing temples -in an effort to remember. He had returned just -as she reached the hall, had carried her unconscious -to their boudoir, revived her, gone downstairs -for a bottle of bromides and discovered -Austin lying murdered in the library. She whitened -to the lips. Had he seized the opportunity -to rifle her father’s safe, the door of which -was open, before sending for the coroner and -police?</p> - -<p>He had sold Valve bonds belonging to her which -had disappeared that night from the safe, and -now—Judith raised her hands in silent, passionate -protest—if Joe, in dire need of money, had -yielded to sudden overwhelming temptation and -taken her bonds, why—why had he stolen Austin’s -watch? It could bring him no money return, -for the first attempt to sell it would focus -suspicion upon him.</p> - -<p>If he had been so mad as to steal the watch as -well as the bonds, why had he been so foolhardy -as to send it to a watchmaker to have the chain -repaired, trusting to any messenger to return it -to him unknown to others?</p> - -<p>Judith stopped short in her restless walk as a -sudden idea occurred to her. Was her husband -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_244">[Pg 244]</span>a kleptomaniac? Had he yielded to an insane -impulse to steal? Judith racked her brain to remember -what she had heard of kleptomania—that -it was a recognized mental derangement, an -irresponsible and irresistible propensity to steal, -and that the kleptomaniac cared nothing for the -objects stolen as soon as the craze to steal was -gratified. But Joe had cared enough to sell her -Valve bonds. That might have been a sane act, -Judith acknowledged to herself bitterly, but to -take a useless watch which would surely involve -him in another and greater crime was the act of -insanity.</p> - -<p><i>Would involve</i> him—it <i>had already involved</i> -him. Judith’s breath came faster and perspiration -appeared in beads on her forehead. She -knew John Hale’s stubborn will, his passionate affection -for Polly Davis—he would move heaven -and earth to convict her husband. What more -likely than that he was already at Police Headquarters -swearing out a warrant for his arrest?</p> - -<p>Judith’s loyalty to her husband was instantly -in arms. He might be a kleptomaniac,—if so, -he was to be pitied and protected,—but he was -not a murderer—Judith’s faith remained unshaken. -With all her woman’s wit she would -prove him worthy of her trust and devotion, and -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_245">[Pg 245]</span>clear him of any suspicion of complicity in Austin’s -murder.</p> - -<p>But how to go about it? The locket had disappeared -while she and her husband were sitting -in the boudoir through which the thief had to -pass to enter the bedroom. There was but one -person to her knowledge to whom the locket was -of vital importance—Polly Davis. And she, -Judith, had informed Polly that it was in her -possession only a short time before its disappearance. -But the only living persons who had had -an opportunity to steal her jewelry were—herself -or her husband.</p> - -<p>Judith shuddered—had Joe’s thieving propensities -caused him to take her jewelry? Her -back had been toward him when he went to get -her glass of water, but even if there had been -time for him to slip into their bedroom and get -the jewelry, where had he hidden it without her -seeing him? Judith stared dully at the opposite -wall, despair tugging at her heartstrings.</p> - -<p>“Hello, Judith,” called a cheery voice from the -doorway, and Judith, whirling around with a -violent start, saw Dr. McLane, black bag in hand, -looking at her. “I have just been upstairs treating -Anna’s ankle and I stopped in here on my way -out to see if any one was at home.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_246">[Pg 246]</span></p> - -<p>“Come in, doctor,” she exclaimed. “You -have arrived in answer to my thoughts.”</p> - -<p>As he took her extended hand in greeting he -glanced quickly at her—her palm was dry and -hot to the touch. Instantly his fingers sought her -pulse.</p> - -<p>“Come, Judith, this won’t do,” he remonstrated -gravely. “Your pulse is pounding like a -millrace. I have cautioned you before—”</p> - -<p>“Please, doctor, don’t scold,” she pleaded. -“It is only caused by momentary excitement. I’ll -calm down after a talk with you.”</p> - -<p>“Will you?” doubtfully. “Well, fire away.”</p> - -<p>Judith wheeled a chair around. “Do sit -down,” she coaxed, “I can’t think of a thing to -say while you stand with that air of bolting -away.”</p> - -<p>McLane laughed as he followed her wishes, -placing the black bag within reach. “I am all -attention,” he declared. “Go ahead.”</p> - -<p>“Can kleptomania be cured?”</p> - -<p>McLane stared at her; the question was unexpected.</p> - -<p>“Not permanently,” he replied, and Judith, -who was toying with a fan which was attached -to a silk cord about her neck, raised it to her lips -to hide their trembling.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_247">[Pg 247]</span></p> - -<p>“What are its symptoms?” she asked.</p> - -<p>“Symptoms?” The surgeon was distinctly -puzzled by her questions. “It is a mental derangement -usually found among the wealthy -class, for the craze lies in the <i>act</i> of stealing, and -the article stolen is of indifference to the genuine -kleptomaniac and is often of no value whatever. -A thief steals for gain for himself or another.”</p> - -<p>“I see.” Judith paused, and a moment later -Dr. McLane, who had been openly studying her—though -she was unconscious of it—roused -her from her bitter thoughts.</p> - -<p>“Where are your mother and Major Richards?” -he inquired.</p> - -<p>“They have gone to Walter Reed Hospital to -see Major LeFevre,” she explained. “I did not -feel equal to the long trip and had them leave me -here after a short turn on the speedway.”</p> - -<p>“It would have been better had you stayed out -in the fresh air,” commented McLane frankly. -“You are brooding too much, Judith. I fear”—with -a keen glance at her—“Austin’s death -has upset you more than you realize.”</p> - -<p>“We are all upset,” she admitted. “And the -suspense—not knowing who is guilty of the -crime is terrible.” She paused a moment. -“Could it have been suicide?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_248">[Pg 248]</span></p> - -<p>McLane shook his head. “Impossible, judging -from the nature of the wound,” he insisted. -“The autopsy proved that.”</p> - -<p>Judith straightened up. “You were present at -the autopsy, were you not?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“Doctor,”—Judith’s hesitation was perceptible -as she toyed with her fan—“do you believe that -Austin was stabbed with a pair of shears?”</p> - -<p>“That is a difficult question to answer offhand, -Judith,” he replied gravely. “Austin’s death was -caused by a punctured wound. These wounds, -Judith, are generally smaller in circumference -than the weapon used, for the skin is stretched and -yields to a certain extent. Therefore the wound -might have been inflicted with long, slender -shears.”</p> - -<p>Judith considered his answer in silence, a silence -which seemed endless to the busy surgeon. -Finally, with a glance at her and another at the -dial of the clock, he rose and picked up his bag.</p> - -<p>“I must go, Judith,” he said. “Take my advice, -child, and lie down for a while. If you -don’t you will be added to my list of patients. -Please do as I ask you.”</p> - -<p>Few could resist McLane’s charming smile, and -Judith’s “I will” was prompt. She experienced -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_249">[Pg 249]</span>a strange reluctance to have him go, and only an -exertion of her self-control prevented her from -calling him back as she closed the front door on -his retreating figure. In her room Judith did her -best to comply with McLane’s request, but she -could not lie still on the bed. Finally, unable -longer to control her desire for motion, she got -up and wandered into the boudoir. From there -she went to her father’s den. He was not there, -and Judith with a glance into his bedroom, closed -the door, and, going over to his desk, she sat -down before it and went carefully through his -papers.</p> - -<p>It was dusk, the early dusk of a winter afternoon -when Judith again entered the library. -Anna, the waitress, had not performed her usual -duties of turning on the electric lights, and Judith -contented herself with switching on the lamp nearest -her father’s safe. Dropping on her knees before -it, she propped a playing card on a stool -beside her, and, placing her hand on the knob of -the steel door, turned the dial. It was slow, -laborious work and perspiration trickled into -Judith’s eyes. She saw but dimly the Knave of -Hearts—the red of the playing card alone -showed up plainly. A last twist of her wrist and -the heavy steel door swung backward, and Judith -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_250">[Pg 250]</span>sank down in a crouching position to rest her -cramped muscles.</p> - -<p>She was still looking directly inside the safe -when a handkerchief was drawn across her eyes -and a hand detached the wire connecting her earphone -and the little electric battery which she wore -tucked inside her belt. Completely taken by surprise -and too paralyzed to move, Judith sat motionless -as the hand, having completed its mission, -slid around and covered her mouth. Then, before -she could scramble to her feet, hands dragged -her backward until she felt herself resting against -a table leg. It took but a moment to tie her to it; -the next instant a handkerchief gag replaced the -hand across her mouth.</p> - -<p>For what seemed an eternity Judith sat without -motion, cut off from sound, from sight—</p> - -<p>Surely the distorted silhouettes dancing before -her vision were creatures of her imagination! -Or could it be the shadows of real people seen -through the folds of the handkerchief?</p> - -<p>Bound, blindfolded, gagged, deprived of her -earphone, and her hearing deadened by nature, -Judith’s heart was beating with suffocating rapidity. -She must get aid—aid before she fainted. -Instinctively she bit and worried her gag, and -the handkerchief, insecurely tied, parted finally. -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_251">[Pg 251]</span>Judith filled her lungs with air, moistened her -parched lips, and tried to call for help.</p> - -<p>The whispered cry reached only to the confines -of the room. To Judith’s ears no sound penetrated, -and she waited in agony. Had her shout -carried beyond the library? Surely the maids, -her father—some one must hear her?</p> - -<p>She opened her mouth for another attempt, and -an oblong object was thrust between her teeth -and lashed around her head. Once again she was -left to herself. The excruciating pain produced -by the new gag caused Judith to clench her teeth -against it so as to relieve the pressure on the -strained flesh.</p> - -<p>Judith had lost all track of time when suddenly -she felt the cords, binding her to the table leg, -loosened, and, as consciousness left her, she was -lifted upward, a dead weight.</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_252">[Pg 252]</span></p> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XVIII">CHAPTER XVIII<br /> -<span class="smaller">EDGED TOOLS</span></h2></div> - -<p class="no-indent"><span class="smcap"><span class="dropcap">R</span>obert Hale</span> crossed the central hall -and entered the library with characteristic -haste. On finding only a solitary -light burning, he stopped and switched on the -other lamps until the library was flooded with -light.</p> - -<p>“Hello!” he exclaimed, catching sight of -Major Richards standing in front of the fireplace. -“Glad you are ready for dinner. It never fails, -Joe, if I am hungry, Mrs. Hale is always late. -She never has a well regulated appetite.”</p> - -<p>Richards laughed. “Your wife told me not to -change into a dinner coat,” he explained, glancing -apologetically at his sack suit. “She said -we were so late in getting back from Walter Reed -Hospital that there was not time.”</p> - -<p>“Beastly bore changing for dinner.” Hale -wandered aimlessly about the library. “Agatha -insists upon it, so”—a shrug completed the sentence. -“See that you imbue Judith with the idea -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_253">[Pg 253]</span>that you are master, and you will enjoy future -peace of mind.”</p> - -<p>“I cannot conceive of Judith’s ever requiring -a master,” retorted Richards, a trifle heatedly, and -Hale laughed.</p> - -<p>“You are young and you haven’t been married -long,” he remarked indulgently. “Where’s -Judith?”</p> - -<p>“She hasn’t come down yet.” Richards removed -his foot from the brass fire iron and stood -with his back to the mantel. “I plan to take -Judith to Palm Beach on Thursday.”</p> - -<p>“You do, eh?” and Hale looked taken -aback.</p> - -<p>“Yes,” steadily. “Judith is not strong.”</p> - -<p>Hale did not reply. Instead, he scrutinized his -son-in-law from his well shod foot to the top of -his short cropped hair. There was an air of distinction, -of courage, in Richards’ carriage and in -his firm chin and clear eyes, eyes which did not -waver before Hale’s piercing glance.</p> - -<p>“That is not a bad plan of yours,” Hale remarked -finally. “Perhaps Agatha and I will follow -you in a week or two. The fact is”—he -selected a chair near Richards—“Austin’s death -and the mystery surrounding it are getting on -every one’s nerves. It is demoralizing the household.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_254">[Pg 254]</span> -The police—bah! they are incompetents. -They never see the obvious.”</p> - -<p>“And what is the obvious, Mr. Hale?”</p> - -<p>Hale hesitated and cast a doubtful look at his -son-in-law.</p> - -<p>“The curious behavior of a certain female—”</p> - -<p>Richards bent forward and stared at him, waiting -for the sentence to be completed.</p> - -<p>“What female do you allude to?” he demanded -impatiently, breaking the pause.</p> - -<p>The portières were pulled aside, and Anna, the -waitress, appeared, silver salver in hand.</p> - -<p>“Beg pardon, Mr. Hale, but here is a telegram -for Miss Davis,” and she extended it to him. -“The messenger refused to take it to her house -address.”</p> - -<p>“Very well, I will see that it is forwarded.” -Hale put on his glasses, inspected the Western -Union envelope and its address, then laid the telegram -on the table. “Has Mr. John returned, -Anna?”</p> - -<p>“No, sir,” and Anna limped away to the pantry -by way of the dining room as Mrs. Hale -stepped between the portières in front of the doorway -leading to the central hall.</p> - -<p>“Now, don’t say I am late, Robert,” she began. -“I have lost no time, and I do believe I am down -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_255">[Pg 255]</span>before Judith,” with a quick glance about the -library. “What did you do with yourself this -afternoon?”</p> - -<p>“Took a walk,” laconically. Hale drummed -his fingers on the chair, and Richards wondered -for the second time what made him so restless. -He had always an alertness of manner, but to -Richards it now appeared almost furtive. Hale -pointed to the clock. “Why do we have to wait -for Judith and John?” he demanded. “Suppose -we go in to dinner.”</p> - -<p>Richards left his place by the mantel. “I’ll go -for Judith,” he volunteered. “I would have done -so before, Mrs. Hale; I but stopped in here on -our return, thinking she would come in every -minute.”</p> - -<p>As he crossed the library, a door slammed in -the distance and heavy footsteps approached just -as Richards reached the portières. They were -dragged aside and he came face to face with John -Hale whose labored breathing indicated haste or -excitement, or both combined.</p> - -<p>“So you are here!” John Hale exclaimed in -high satisfaction, and called over his shoulder, -“Come in, Ferguson. No, you don’t,” as Richards, -who had stepped back courteously to permit -him to advance into the library, started for the -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_256">[Pg 256]</span>hall. “You’ll stay here and face the music,” and -he thrust out his hand to push him back.</p> - -<p>“Take your hands off my shoulder,” commanded -Richards, his anger rising both at his -words and action. “What do you wish with -me?”</p> - -<p>“I wish you to explain in the presence of witnesses”—John -Hale cast a triumphant look at -his brother and sister-in-law before continuing—“how -you obtained this watch,” and, drawing it -out of his pocket, he swung it before Richards.</p> - -<p>Richards looked first at the watch and then at -his questioner.</p> - -<p>“It would be just as well if you first explained -how it came into your possession,” he remarked -quietly, and John Hale crimsoned.</p> - -<p>“Don’t take that tone with me,” he exclaimed. -“I have the law behind me.”</p> - -<p>“If the law is represented in the person of -Detective Ferguson, it is loitering directly back of -you,” broke in his brother who, with Mrs. Hale, -had drawn closer to the two angry men. “Come -in, Ferguson, don’t stand on the outskirts. My -brother is not really so formidable as he appears.”</p> - -<p>Ferguson, who had purposely remained in the -background, an interested spectator of the scene, -flushed at Hale’s mocking tone and entered the -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_257">[Pg 257]</span>library with some precipitancy. Hale watched -him in open amusement, then he turned to his -brother.</p> - -<p>“Continue your remarks, John,” he directed. -“We are waiting.”</p> - -<p>“I am addressing Major Richards and not -you,” retorted his brother. “Well, sir, what -about the watch?”</p> - -<p>“I am waiting for an answer to my question, -Mr. Hale,” responded Richards.</p> - -<p>“How I got the watch doesn’t concern you.” -John Hale spoke with more deliberation. “How -you obtained possession of Austin’s watch does -concern—the police.”</p> - -<p>“Austin’s watch!” gasped Mrs. Hale. -“Good heavens!” She leaned nearer and inspected -it, taking care not to touch the watch. -“Where did it come from?”</p> - -<p>“That is what I am asking Major Richards. -Perhaps he will be more courteous and answer -your question, as it is addressed by a woman”—and -John Hale looked scornfully at Richards.</p> - -<p>“The gibe is unnecessary,” retorted the latter. -“As the watch is in your possession and not -in mine, it is up to you to explain how you got -it.”</p> - -<p>Hale laughed outright. “He has you there, -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_258">[Pg 258]</span>John,” he chuckled. “Have you an answer -ready?”</p> - -<p>Ignoring his brother, John Hale addressed himself -exclusively to Richards.</p> - -<p>“Austin’s watch was sent to this house by Jennings, -the watchmaker, with whom you left it to -have the chain repaired. See, it bears your -name,” and he displayed the label still attached to -the watch. Richards read the words on it with -interest.</p> - -<p>“Well, what have you to say?” demanded John -Hale, as he made no remark.</p> - -<p>“That the watch bears my name does not prove -that I left the watch with this man, Jennings,” -Richards stated, and John Hale turned triumphantly -to the detective.</p> - -<p>“There, didn’t I tell you he would take that -attitude?” he cried. “It won’t do, Richards. -Ferguson and I have just seen Jennings and he -described you accurately in giving an account of -the man who left the watch with him on Wednesday—mind -you, later in the same morning on -which Austin was found murdered. How did -you get possession of Austin’s watch?”</p> - -<p>Richards looked steadily at the excited man before -him, at the others—noting instantly the -serious expression of Mrs. Hale’s countenance, -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_259">[Pg 259]</span>her husband’s intent interest, and Ferguson’s keen -attention. Then, slowly, he glanced around the -library—Judith was not present. He drew a -long breath.</p> - -<p>“I decline to answer your question, Mr. Hale,” -he said.</p> - -<p>Ferguson stepped forward. “It would be best, -Major, if you did,” he suggested. “That is a bit -of friendly advice.”</p> - -<p>“Thanks,” dryly. “Had you not better -warn me that anything I say will be used against -me?”</p> - -<p>Hale chuckled, then grew serious. “Come, -John, what does this scene mean?” he demanded -of his brother. “What are you trying to -prove?”</p> - -<p>“That Major Richards has a guilty knowledge -of, or is guilty of, Austin’s murder,” he replied, -and at his words a cry broke from Mrs. Hale and -she collapsed in the nearest chair.</p> - -<p>Richards looked at John Hale in silence for a -brief second.</p> - -<p>“So that is it,” he exclaimed. “I congratulate -you on your acumen. Now, perhaps you will tell -me why I murdered a man whom I had never -seen?”</p> - -<p>“Oh, don’t say that, don’t,” wailed Mrs. Hale. -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_260">[Pg 260]</span>“I found your name in Austin’s membership book -of his Senior secret society at Yale.”</p> - -<p>Richards regarded her in surprise. “Certainly -my name is in the book; but I graduated at Yale -before Austin’s freshman year.”</p> - -<p>John Hale smothered an oath. “Whether you -knew Austin or not is immaterial. When a man -is caught in the act of burglarizing a safe he -doesn’t need an introduction to the man who detects -him—he kills him—as you murdered -Austin.”</p> - -<p>Richards shrugged his shoulder. “You will -have it that way,” he spoke with studied indifference, -as he again stole a look about the room—where -was Judith? “Has it ever occurred to -you that Austin might have been rifling Mr. -Hale’s safe and was killed in the act—”</p> - -<p>“By whom?” gasped Mrs. Hale; her face was -ashen in color.</p> - -<p>“I leave that conundrum to the police,” replied -Richards. “It was but a suggestion.”</p> - -<p>“Which carries no weight,” retorted John -Hale. “This watch isn’t the only thing we have -on you, Richards.” He turned to his brother. -“What was stolen from your safe on Tuesday -night?”</p> - -<p>Mrs. Hale’s sudden start was lost on her husband.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_261">[Pg 261]</span> -Hale looked at Richards queerly, thought -a minute, then answered with brevity.</p> - -<p>“Ten bonds of the Troy Valve Company belonging -to Judith.”</p> - -<p>“And those bonds, Richards, you sold to cover -your losses in speculation,” declared John Hale.</p> - -<p>Richards contemplated the two brothers in -thunderstruck silence.</p> - -<p>“You say that Judith had Valve bonds in your -safe which were stolen on Tuesday night, Mr. -Hale?” he demanded of the elder brother.</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“So it was your wife’s bonds which you first -stole and then sold”—John Hale was enjoying -himself. He had caught the hunted look in -Richards’ eyes. Turning, he winked at Ferguson, -and when he again faced Richards, the latter -had himself well in hand.</p> - -<p>“You have stated twice now that I sold Valve -bonds,” Richards began. “It is up to you to -prove it.”</p> - -<p>“And I can”—wheeling around, John Hale -seized the desk telephone and repeated a number. -A second more and he called into the instrument:</p> - -<p>“John Hale speaking, Frank. Come over to -the house as quickly as you can. Polly—what -about Polly?—I don’t catch that—tell me when -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_262">[Pg 262]</span>you get here,” and he banged up the receiver, then -turned to the others in the library. “It won’t -take Latimer five minutes to reach here.”</p> - -<p>“And why is his presence required?” questioned -Richards. “It strikes me that this scene -has been prolonged unnecessarily.”</p> - -<p>“Possibly, from your viewpoint.” John -Hale’s smile was not pleasant. “Don’t get nervous -at this stage of the game.”</p> - -<p>Richards’ eyes blazed and he made a quick step -in his direction—to find the way blocked by -Detective Ferguson.</p> - -<p>“None o’ that,” he exclaimed hastily. “Remember, -Mrs. Hale is present.”</p> - -<p>Richards pulled himself together and his right -arm dropped to his side.</p> - -<p>“I quite understand that Mr. John Hale is -aware that he has the protection of a woman’s -presence,” he remarked. Again Robert Hale -chuckled faintly, while his brother, coloring hotly, -had difficulty in curbing his unruly tongue. The -latter turned abruptly to his sister-in-law.</p> - -<p>“Agatha, suppose you leave us,” he suggested.</p> - -<p>“I will not,” and Mrs. Hale, whose eyes were -twice their usual size, squared herself in her seat. -“I gather, John, I am needed here to keep you in -order.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_263">[Pg 263]</span></p> - -<p>“Quite right, my dear,” and her husband patted -her approvingly on the back, before turning -to his brother. “Now, John, if you have any -more remarks to address to Major Richards, omit -all personalities or”—his voice deepened—“I -shall have to request you to leave the room.”</p> - -<p>Ferguson caught the look that John Hale shot -at his brother and stepped gamely into the breach. -He had divined earlier in the investigation that -it took little to arouse the smoldering animosity -between the brothers.</p> - -<p>“Major Richards,” he commenced, “you told -Coroner Penfield that you spent Tuesday evening -at the Metropolitan Club. At what hour did you -leave the club for home?”</p> - -<p>Richards considered the question. “It was -just midnight,” he stated. “I am positive as to -the time for the clocks were chiming when I left -the building, and I waited and counted the strokes—twelve -of them.”</p> - -<p>The detective consulted a page in his notebook. -“You also told the coroner that you reached here -about twenty minutes past one on Wednesday -morning. Where did you stop between here and -the club?”</p> - -<p>“Nowhere.”</p> - -<p>Ferguson eyed him intently. “The club is -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_264">[Pg 264]</span>about fifteen minutes walk from here, at the outside,” -he declared. “Do you contend that it took -you over an hour to reach this house?”</p> - -<p>“Yes,” quietly. “Your circles and avenues -are confusing and I lost my way.”</p> - -<p>John Hale laughed aloud. “A great alibi,” he -sneered. “Austin was murdered between Tuesday -midnight and one <span class="allsmcap">A. M.</span> Wednesday—thus -you had ample time to reach here, kill him, leave -the house and return a few minutes after one -o’clock.”</p> - -<p>“You think so?” Richards shrugged his -shoulders disdainfully. “Well, prove it.”</p> - -<p>“I will.” John Hale waved his walking stick -which he had brought with him into the library in -his haste to encounter Richards. “And here’s -one link in the chain now,” as Frank Latimer was -ushered in by Anna, the waitress, whose curious -glance at the excited group escaped notice. -“Frank, did Major Richards sell ten bonds of -the Troy Valve Company in your office on Friday -afternoon?”</p> - -<p>“He did.” The little stockbroker stared at -each in turn, and the gravity of their expression -was reflected in his manner.</p> - -<p>“Did Judith call there that same afternoon?” -Richards’ violent start was seen by all, and John -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_265">[Pg 265]</span>Hale’s eyes gleamed viciously as he continued his -questions. “Did she tell you that she owned ten -bonds of the Troy Valve Company, numbering -from 37982 to 37991?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“And did those numbers correspond with the -numbers on the bonds sold you by Major Richards?”</p> - -<p>“They did.”</p> - -<p>John Hale turned to his brother. “You have a -memorandum of Judith’s bonds which were stolen -from your safe on Tuesday night,” he stated. -“Repeat the numbers.”</p> - -<p>There was a slight hesitation in Hale’s manner -before he complied with his brother’s abrupt request. -Opening his leather wallet, he found a -memorandum and ran his eye down it.</p> - -<p>“The numbers are the same,” he said, and -replaced his wallet.</p> - -<p>“Well, Richards, have you anything to say?” -demanded John Hale, and edged nearer him.</p> - -<p>“Nothing—to you,” and John Hale flushed at -his cutting tone.</p> - -<p>“Perhaps you’ll have something to say to me, -Major,” broke in Detective Ferguson. “Will -you tell us how you got those bonds?”</p> - -<p>Richards eyed the little group; his gaze rested -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_266">[Pg 266]</span>longest on Robert Hale, then he turned to Ferguson, -as the detective repeated his question.</p> - -<p>“No,” he responded. “I will not tell you.”</p> - -<p>Mrs. Hale leaned forward and placed a trembling -hand on his arm.</p> - -<p>“Did Judith give you the bonds?” she asked -timidly.</p> - -<p>“No, Mrs. Hale, she did not,” and Richards, -catching her pitying look, felt a sudden tightening -of his heartstrings. It was the first expression -of sympathy vouchsafed him. Where—where -was Judith?</p> - -<p>Ferguson broke the brief pause.</p> - -<p>“Major Richards,” he began, and Mrs. Hale -clutched her chair in her excitement. Her head -felt heavy, her breathing stifled—Dr. McLane -had warned her about a weak heart. “You have -heard Mr. Latimer, a reputable witness, testify -that you sold bonds belonging to your wife, and -Mr. Hale, your father-in-law, has stated that those -bonds were stolen from his safe on Tuesday night. -You declare that you left the Metropolitan Club -on Tuesday at midnight, and that you lost your -way and spent an hour walking about the streets -before reaching this house at twenty minutes past -one o’clock on Wednesday morning. Can you -substantiate that statement with witnesses?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_267">[Pg 267]</span></p> - -<p>“I cannot.” Richards’ gaze was unwavering -and his voice firm, but his face was white and -strained. “I met no one while walking home. -That was the chief reason for my delay, because -I had no opportunity to ask the right direction to -take. I have no sense of locality.”</p> - -<p>“Humph, very pretty!” commented John Hale, -and Detective Ferguson scowled at him.</p> - -<p>“I’m handling this case, Mr. Hale.” He spoke -harshly, and John Hale showed instant resentment -by returning the scowl as the detective again -addressed Richards. “You left the watch belonging -to the murdered man, Austin Hale, with -Jennings to repair. That is conclusive evidence -that the watch had been in your possession.”</p> - -<p>“So you claim”—and Richards smiled politely. -“Don’t let me interrupt your little romance, -Ferguson. Go on.”</p> - -<p>Ferguson swallowed his wrath. “I am stating -facts, Major, facts which have been proved. -Once more I’ll give you a chance to state your -version of how Austin’s watch came into your -possession, and the Valve bonds as well.”</p> - -<p>“Thanks.” Richards’ brows were knit in a -deep frown. “Do I understand that I am your -prisoner?”</p> - -<p>Ferguson drew out a legal document. “I -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_268">[Pg 268]</span>have this warrant for your arrest,” he admitted.</p> - -<p>“Then I will reserve what I have to say until I -see a lawyer.”</p> - -<p>“But, Major—”</p> - -<p>“No, Ferguson,” firmly. “A prisoner’s right -to consult a lawyer is a constitutional right.”</p> - -<p>“Prisoner!” Mrs. Hale started from her -chair. “Robert—”</p> - -<p>Robert Hale stepped forward. “Sit down, -Agatha.” He pushed her gently back in her -chair before turning to Ferguson. “Who swore -out that warrant?”</p> - -<p>“Your brother, Mr. John Hale.”</p> - -<p>“So”—Hale faced his brother. “Have -you forgotten our conversation early this afternoon?”</p> - -<p>“I have not.” John Hale shouldered Latimer -to one side as he stepped nearer the center of the -room. “You tried to fasten Austin’s murder -on an innocent girl to shield your daughter’s -husband.”</p> - -<p>“An innocent girl!” Hale’s mocking smile -brought his brother’s rage to fever heat. “So -innocent that when she quarreled with her lover at -their midnight meeting she killed him with her -shears—shears which I had bought for her the -week before.” Swiftly he turned to Ferguson. -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_269">[Pg 269]</span>“Release Major Richards and arrest the real -criminal, Polly Davis.”</p> - -<p>An oath broke from John Hale, and in blind -fury he twirled his walking stick. His brother, -by a dexterous twist only, avoided the thrust. -As the steel point of the sword cane came to -rest directly under the powerful light from a -standing reading lamp, a scream escaped Mrs. -Hale.</p> - -<p>“Look, look!” she cried. “It’s covered with -blood.”</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_270">[Pg 270]</span></p> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XIX">CHAPTER XIX<br /> -<span class="smaller">THE UNSEEN EAR</span></h2></div> - -<p class="no-indent"><span class="smcap"><span class="dropcap">A</span>s</span> if hypnotized, John Hale stared at his -sword cane, raising it slowly, very -slowly, then as slowly dropped the point -and gazed at his brother.</p> - -<p>“It <i>is</i> blood,” he gasped. “But you are unhurt?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.” Robert Hale’s voice was not quite -steady. “You did not reach me.”</p> - -<p>“Then where did this blood come from?” demanded -John Hale. “It’s—it’s not <i>fresh</i>,” and -there was a growing horror in the look he cast at -his companions.</p> - -<p>Ferguson, who had followed every act and -word with rapt attention, picked up the bamboo -cane casing which John Hale had tossed to the -floor when he drew the concealed weapon and -lunged at his brother. Stepping up to the dazed -man, the detective took the sword from his unresisting -hand and examined it with interest.</p> - -<p>“Austin Hale was killed by a rapier-like -thrust,” he stated slowly. “The autopsy proved -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_271">[Pg 271]</span>that the wound was greater in depth than in -length. Is this your cane, Mr. Hale?”</p> - -<p>John Hale wet his dry lips. “It is,” he -muttered, and looked dumbly at his silent, motionless -companions.</p> - -<p>“You carry it always?” asked Ferguson with -dogged persistence.</p> - -<p>“When I go out, yes.”</p> - -<p>“Who knows that this ordinary-appearing -bamboo cane conceals a rapier?”</p> - -<p>“My brother.” John Hale avoided looking at -them, his eyes were still on the sword cane.</p> - -<p>“Any one else?”</p> - -<p>“N—no.”</p> - -<p>“Quite sure?” and Ferguson tried to meet -his eye.</p> - -<p>“No—yes.” With an effort John Hale recovered -some semblance of his usual manner. “I -may have spoken of the cane but I don’t recall -doing so. I bought it from an antique dealer -and it’s been a fad of mine to carry it.”</p> - -<p>“I see.” Ferguson considered him steadily -for a moment. “Where were you on Tuesday -night?”</p> - -<p>“At the French Embassy reception.”</p> - -<p>“Mrs. Hale,”—the detective spoke her name -with such sharpness that she jumped involuntarily—“was<span class="pagenum" id="Page_272">[Pg 272]</span> -your brother-in-law with you at the Embassy -between midnight Tuesday and one o’clock -Wednesday morning?”</p> - -<p>Mrs. Hale looked at no one in particular and -wrung her hands.</p> - -<p>“Must I answer?” she begged, turning imploringly -to her husband and, as she caught his -expression, exclaimed: “No, I refuse to.”</p> - -<p>“Don’t put yourself out for me, Agatha.” -There was a sudden utter weariness in John Hale’s -tone, and Richards started and looked at him intently. -What did it portend? “I will answer -your question, Ferguson. I was not at the -French Embassy during that time.”</p> - -<p>“Where were you?”</p> - -<p>There was a tense silence. When John Hale -answered he spoke hardly above a whisper.</p> - -<p>“I had returned to this house to meet my stepson, -Austin.”</p> - -<p>Mrs. Hale collapsed. “Oh, dear! oh, dear, -I’ve feared it all along,” she wailed, and burst -into tears. “Oh, Polly, Polly, you have a lot -to answer for!”</p> - -<p>“Have I?” asked a strained voice, and Polly -Davis, who had been a stunned witness of the -scene, advanced a few steps further into the room, -Anna, the waitress, peering over her shoulder with -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_273">[Pg 273]</span>wide, curious eyes. “Well, I am here to face the -consequences.”</p> - -<p>John Hale, who had not taken his eyes from -her ghastly face, sprang to her side.</p> - -<p>“No!” he exclaimed vehemently. “No. -Go home.”</p> - -<p>“Presently,” she silenced him with an imperative -gesture, before turning to the detective.</p> - -<p>“Whom do you accuse of the murder of Austin -Hale?” she asked.</p> - -<p>Ferguson scratched a bewildered head. “I -did believe Major Richards guilty,” he admitted -slowly. “But seeing that Mr. Hale states he -came back here to meet his stepson, that Austin -was killed at that time with a rapier thrust, and -that Mr. Hale’s sword cane has bloodstains on -it—” He paused. “Well, taking all that into -consideration and with the knowledge that he and -Austin were not on good terms—I guess—it -looks as if Mr. Hale killed him.”</p> - -<p>Polly drew a long, painful breath. “Wait,” -she cautioned. “I was here on Tuesday night.”</p> - -<p>“Hush!” commanded John, a look of agony -on his strong face.</p> - -<p>“No, I must speak.” Polly partly turned -from him and addressed the others. “I wrote -Austin on Saturday breaking our engagement, -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_274">[Pg 274]</span>but as Monday was Washington’s Birthday he -never received the letter until Tuesday morning. -In answer I had a wire from Austin stating that -he would get here Tuesday about midnight. -I”—her voice quivered a bit, then steadied—“it -was imperative that I see him without delay, -so I came, admitting myself with Mrs. Hale’s -latchkey which I had borrowed one day last week. -I walked into the library”—she caught her -breath.</p> - -<p>“Stop, Polly,” pleaded John Hale. “Stop. -You don’t know what you are saying.” Seeing -that she paid no attention to his words, he appealed -to the detective. “For God’s sake tell -her to stop—it’s not fair—it’s cruel—she shall -not convict herself.”</p> - -<p>“What are you insinuating?” cried Polly. -“Convict myself? Are you mad? Austin was -stabbed before I entered this house.”</p> - -<p>The five men eyed each other in silence, then -concentrated their attention upon her, forgetful -of Mrs. Hale, of Anna—waiting for her to continue.</p> - -<p>“I saw Austin lying on the floor,” she went -on, her voice husky with emotion. “The shock -made me cry out, then my whole impulse was to -run, to hide. I reached the central hall and paused -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_275">[Pg 275]</span>to gather strength; a faint noise on the staircase -caused me to look in that direction and I made -out dimly a man peering at me over the bannisters”— -She paused. “Mr. Robert Hale, why -are you using a dictograph in this house?”</p> - -<p>Hale looked at her in dumb surprise—twice -he opened his lips to speak and twice closed them -with the words unspoken. Richards, standing -somewhat in the background, bent forward in a -listening attitude.</p> - -<p>“What’s that noise?” he demanded. -“Listen!”</p> - -<p>Through the silence came a faint drumming, it -grew louder, then died away, to break out again -a little louder, more insistently.</p> - -<p>“By heavens, it comes from the alcove!” exclaimed -Richards, and racing across the room, -he dashed aside the heavy red satin curtains pulled -across it. A horrified exclamation escaped him, -and he recoiled at sight of Judith, bound and -gagged, lying on the window seat. Her body had -slipped down the piled up sofa cushions and her -right foot just touched the paneled wall and with -it she was beating the devil’s tattoo.</p> - -<p>“Good God!” gasped Richards, then recovering -himself, tore at her fastenings. Ferguson, -more clear-headed than the other, slashed at the -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_276">[Pg 276]</span>clothes’ line which bound her with John Hale’s -sword cane, and aided him in carrying her to a -chair by the table.</p> - -<p>“Chafe her arms and ankles so that the blood -will circulate,” he advised, while his nimble fingers -untied the cord holding the fan, which had been -thrust into her mouth as a gag.</p> - -<p>Judith, who had watched their efforts in silent -agony, raised her cramped arms and massaged the -stiffened muscles of her mouth and jaw; then -she replaced the wires connecting her earphone -and its battery.</p> - -<p>“In God’s name who has treated you so, -Judith?” demanded Richards, his eyes were blazing -with rage. “Who has dared to—” and he -choked.</p> - -<p>“Fetch my smelling salts,” Judith spoke with -some difficulty and paused eagerly to drink the -water offered her by Frank Latimer. “No, don’t -go, Anna,” placing her hand on the waitress’ -shoulder as she knelt at her side chafing her -ankles. “Ring for Maud.”</p> - -<p>Her father complied with her request, then -returned to Judith. For the first time he looked -old and haggard.</p> - -<p>“What’s the meaning of all this?” he demanded, -with a return of his domineering manner.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_277">[Pg 277]</span></p> - -<p>Judith looked at her husband for a fleeting -second, then addressed Detective Ferguson whose -attention was focused on her.</p> - -<p>“I have a confession to make to you,” she -began. “You recall finding the bloodstained -shears near Austin’s body?”</p> - -<p>“Yes,” he said, as she paused.</p> - -<p>“I used them.”</p> - -<p>“Judith!” Richards sprang forward with an -imploring gesture, but for once his wife ignored -him.</p> - -<p>“I used them,” she reiterated, “to remove a -locket from Austin’s watch chain when I found -him lying dead in this library. That locket,” -she paused to take the smelling salts which Maud -who had hurriedly entered a second before handed -to her,—“that locket Polly Davis stole from my -bedroom last night with other jewelry.”</p> - -<p>No one spoke, and Judith, resting one hand on -Anna’s shoulder and the other on Maud’s arm, -rose stiffly to her feet.</p> - -<p>“Late this afternoon,” Judith continued, “I -was examining Father’s safe,”—Hale started -violently—“when some one stole behind me, -blindfolded me, disconnected my earphone, and -gagged me.”</p> - -<p>“Well, well, go on,” urged Detective Ferguson, -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_278">[Pg 278]</span>forgetting, in his interest, his usual respectful -manner.</p> - -<p>“I was gagged,” repeated Judith, “with my -fan. The thief did not know that this fan”—she -raised it as she spoke—“is an ear trumpet -which when pressed against my teeth enables me -to hear distinctly.”</p> - -<p>Her right hand moved upward with a sweeping -motion, and Maud, the parlor maid, was -shorn of her cap and wig.</p> - -<p>Ferguson recovered from his stupefaction in -time to trip and catch the flying figure.</p> - -<p>“Jim Turner,” he gasped, as the handcuffs -slipped over the wrists of the erstwhile maid. -“I’ve been looking for you for five years.”</p> - -<p>“And you have found the murderer of Austin -Hale,” ended Judith.</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_279">[Pg 279]</span></p> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XX">CHAPTER XX<br /> -<span class="smaller">RUN TO COVER</span></h2></div> - -<p class="no-indent"><span class="smcap"><span class="dropcap">I</span>n</span> stunned silence the little group eyed Detective -Ferguson and his prisoner. Slowly -the latter rose from his hands and knees, the -handcuffs clinking musically as he knocked against -Ferguson’s left wrist to which he was secured.</p> - -<p>“Easy,” cautioned Ferguson, and the revolver -in his right hand menaced the murderer. “You’ll -get no chance to escape now, Jim,” with emphasis, -then with reluctant admiration as he scanned -Turner’s good-looking effeminate features and -his slight trim figure in its woman’s costume. -“Say, but you are a pretty girl. I never once -suspected you, never.”</p> - -<p>“And I’d have kept you fooled,” retorted -Turner, “except for you,” addressing Judith. -“You were one too many for me with those cursed -unseen ears,” and he cast a look of baffled fury -at her fan. “I thought you were practically dead -to the world when I disconnected that blamed -earphone and blindfolded you.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_280">[Pg 280]</span></p> - -<p>“You put too much confidence in your own -cleverness,” Judith responded. “It would have -been wiser if you and your confederate had ransacked -Father’s safe in silence, instead of discussing -your desperate need, on account of Austin’s -murder, of getting away—and thus giving me a -clew to your identity.”</p> - -<p>“Who is your confederate?” demanded Ferguson. -A scowl was his only answer. “Oh, well, -you’ll talk more later,” with significant emphasis, -“in the Death House.”</p> - -<p>Turner’s face was distorted with rage. “To -think I’ll have to swing for that hound, Austin -Hale!” he stormed. “He welshed on every one, -the yellow dog.”</p> - -<p>“What was your motive for killing him?” -asked Robert Hale, recovering from his stupefied -surprise at the course of events.</p> - -<p>Turner looked at him in silence for a minute, -then at the others in the library. Their concentrated -regard fanned his inordinate vanity and—in -spite of Ferguson’s words, the Death House -seemed remote.</p> - -<p>“Why did I kill Austin Hale? Because he penetrated -my disguise.” He paused, then continued -more rapidly. “It must have been shortly before -midnight when I was going to bed—every one -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_281">[Pg 281]</span>else had retired and I could hear Anna and the -cook snoring in their rooms,”—Anna’s face was -a study as she glared at the man she had known -as “Maud”—“and I supposed I had locked my -bedroom door. I was shaving—had to do it at -dead of night,” he interpolated, “when in the -glass I saw the hall door open a little way and -Austin Hale peered into the room. I was too -paralyzed to turn round and he stared at my reflection -in the glass, then, collecting himself, he -softly closed the door and silently stole away.”</p> - -<p>No one cared to break the silence as Turner -ceased speaking, a second more and he had resumed -his statement.</p> - -<p>“I wiped the shaving lather off my face, -straightened my wig and crept down the hall. I -heard Austin moving about in his room and I -went back, but I could not stay there. I don’t -know now what brought Austin to my door at -that hour, unless he wanted me to aid him in seeing -Miss Polly Davis, but he had raised the devil -in me. It wouldn’t take him long to establish my -identity and then would follow exposure, and that -meant, with my record, doing fully fifteen years -in the penitentiary.”</p> - -<p>“Better that than swinging for murder,” commented -Ferguson dryly.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_282">[Pg 282]</span></p> - -<p>“Not as I felt then,” retorted Turner. “My -brain was on fire as I stole downstairs and trailed -him to the library. On the way I saw Mr. John -Hale’s sword cane in the umbrella stand. I’d -seen him open it once or twice to show to Miss -Polly.” Ferguson shot a look at Polly and John -Hale. They had drawn close to each other and -stood listening breathlessly to Turner’s story.</p> - -<p>“So some one beside your brother knew about -your sword cane, Mr. Hale,” Ferguson remarked -with a quizzical smile, and John Hale nodded.</p> - -<p>“Go ahead, Turner,” he said, and the prisoner, -with a resentful glare at Detective Ferguson, -again addressed them, confining his remarks almost -exclusively to Judith.</p> - -<p>“I knew how to work the spring of the sword -cane, for I had played with it several times when -Mr. John left it behind, and so I picked up the -cane on Tuesday night and stole into the dining -room.” In spite of himself, Turner’s voice was -not quite steady. It quivered and deepened as he -lived over again the events of that fateful night.</p> - -<p>“I intended to peek through the portières into -the library, for not hearing a sound in there -puzzled me. The portières were parted a wee bit -and I made out Miss Judith sitting at the far -end before the fireplace with her back partly -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_283">[Pg 283]</span>turned toward me. Then”—his voice changed, -holding a note of horror—“Austin Hale loomed -up before me, right under the sidelight. I could -have touched his shirt-bosom, instead—My God! -I lunged and the sword cane struck home.”</p> - -<p>“I heard Austin fall,” Turner resumed after -a tense pause, “and instinctively tiptoed to the -pantry and crouched there in the dark. I heard -you come in, Major, and Miss Judith call to you. -Then after what seemed an interminable time I -crept out into the central hall, found it deserted, -and replaced the cane in the umbrella stand.”</p> - -<p>“Didn’t you go at all into the library?” demanded -Robert Hale harshly.</p> - -<p>“Yes, after Miss Polly had been there.” He -cast a vicious look in the girl’s direction. “I -heard some one sobbing in the library as I started -to leave the pantry and peeked in again in time -to see you wringing your hands over Austin’s -body—you are a weak sister to sob over the man -who threatened you with exposure.”</p> - -<p>“You—” John Hale started forward, but -Major Richards’ tall figure blocked him. “Get -out of my way, I’ll throttle that fellow.”</p> - -<p>“Not here, you won’t,” interposed Ferguson. -“Keep quiet, Mr. Hale, until Turner completes -his confession.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_284">[Pg 284]</span></p> - -<p>“Tell him to speak more respectfully of Miss -Davis—or not mention her at all,” thundered -John Hale.</p> - -<p>“What happened next?” demanded his brother. -“Shut up, John,” and he waved him back. -“What did Miss Davis do next, Turner?”</p> - -<p>“Cleared out,” succinctly, “first taking a look -at the sword cane standing so innocently in the -umbrella stand.” Turner’s chuckle was unpleasant. -“That left the coast clear for me and I -slipped into the library. There the open safe attracted -me,” with a side-long glance at Hale. “I -had picked up my rubber gloves, used in my house -work, when in the pantry and I put ’em on. The -open safe was too good a chance to overlook, but -I only had time to grab a few bonds and a memorandum -which Austin had been looking at”—a -gasp escaped Mrs. Hale—“then I beat it up the -back stairs to my room, for I heard some one -coming down. I guess it was you, Major.”</p> - -<p>“It was,” acknowledged Richards. He cast a -hesitating look at Judith before continuing. “I -did lose my way, as I have already stated, when -walking home, and I entered the front door just -in time to catch Judith as she fainted. I immediately -carried her upstairs and laid her on the -couch in our boudoir. I had some cognac there -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_285">[Pg 285]</span>and quickly revived her.” He paused for a -second. “The reading lamp was burning in the -boudoir and I concluded that Judith had come -downstairs feeling faint and in search of some -medicine which, I recalled, had been left in the -library. When she revived, she said nothing to -me about having gone downstairs, and when I -asked her if she needed her medicine, she replied -that she did.”</p> - -<p>“Please wait, Joe,” Judith interrupted him -quickly. “I was dazed—completely unnerved. -In fact I had at the time no recollection of fainting -in the hall. I thought, until you questioned -me the other night, that you had found me unconscious -in the boudoir, so I never mentioned that -after Mother and Uncle John left for the French -Embassy I went down into the library to read and -wait for you, Joe.”</p> - -<p>“Your silence confused me, puzzled me,” -Richards confessed. “In fact—well, you will -understand when I tell you that a gold locket fell -out of your belt when I unloosened it. As I -picked up the locket and placed it by your side -on the couch I saw that a gold link fastened to -its ring had been forced apart. A few minutes -later I went into the library and discovered Austin -lying dead on the floor.” He turned to Mrs. -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_286">[Pg 286]</span>Hale. “In stating that I did not know Austin, -I told the truth, but I had seen a photograph of -him that morning on Judith’s dressing table and -the photograph bore his autograph. I was horrified -at finding his dead body, and that horror was -intensified when, on bending closer, I discovered -that a link in his watch chain was bent and twisted—and -the link attached to the locket tucked in -Judith’s belt had come unmistakably from that -chain.”</p> - -<p>“Merciful heavens!” Judith gazed at him in -horror. “Then you thought—”</p> - -<p>“The obvious,” responded Richards. “Your -mother had told me that there had been a boy and -girl affair between you, that they confidently expected -an engagement on your return from -Japan—”</p> - -<p>“Mother!” Mrs. Hale quailed under Judith’s -anger.</p> - -<p>“Upon my soul, Judith, you need not take -that tone with me,” she objected. “The first -intimation we had of your marriage to Joe was a -cable announcing it. A nice way to treat parents -who had indulged every whim.”</p> - -<p>“Need we go into that again, Mother?” protested -Judith.</p> - -<p>“No; but I was hurt, deeply hurt, and I did -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_287">[Pg 287]</span>not take kindly to having a son-in-law thrust on -us.”</p> - -<p>“And so you took it out on him by repeating -a lot of nonsense,” exclaimed her husband indignantly. -“Well, Richards, I suppose you concluded -that Judith and Austin quarreled and she -had stabbed him, and reached the hall in a fainting -condition just as you entered the house?”</p> - -<p>“Exactly, sir; Judith’s silence about Austin—for -that she had seen him either dead or alive was -proved by her possession of the locket, led me to -fear a frightful tragedy,” admitted Richards. -“In my agony of mind I did the only thing that -occurred to me, I took the watch and chain out of -Austin’s vest pocket before sending for the -coroner, for I knew it was a clew the police would -trace to the bitter end.”</p> - -<p>“But why did you send the watch to Jennings?” -asked Hale. “It was courting discovery.”</p> - -<p>“As it turned out, yes; but my idea was that if -the chain was repaired no one would suspect a -locket had been wrenched from it,” explained -Richards. “Then it would not have mattered -where the watch was found.”</p> - -<p>Hale shook his head. “You laid yourself open -to grave suspicion,” he said. “I now understand -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_288">[Pg 288]</span>your actions and your constrained manner, but—” -He stopped. “I missed a playing card out of my -solitaire pack several days ago, a Knave of Hearts, -to be exact, on which I had scratched the combination -of my safe.”</p> - -<p>“Robert!” The ejaculation came from Mrs. -Hale and her husband turned to her testily.</p> - -<p>“I am troubled with amnesia,” he said. “It -is just a touch, but I am sensitive about having -it known or suspected, and so occasionally I jot -down figures and numbers. I play solitaire so -continuously that I am never without the safe-combination; -but on Friday I missed the card and -the next day asked Maud, or shall we say Jim -Turner,”—and he indicated the pseudo-maid—“if -she had seen the card. She brought it to me -later, stating that she had found it on your -dresser, Richards, and it led me to believe that -you had a hand in Austin’s murder.”</p> - -<p>“Is that why you put a dictograph in our -boudoir?” asked Richards.</p> - -<p>“Yes,” Hale admitted. “I went to the Burroughs -Agency, explained my suspicions, and they -installed it.”</p> - -<p>Polly Davis broke her long silence. “I heard -you talking to Mr. Burroughs,” she explained. -“I went to the detective agency to ask them to -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_289">[Pg 289]</span>undertake an investigation for me, but your presence, -Mr. Hale, frightened me away.” She -paused and looked at Judith and her father. -“From having seen you on the stairs Tuesday -night, Mr. Hale, I began to suspect that you might -have killed Austin. I knew that you and he had -often quarreled in the past—”</p> - -<p>“How about John’s scenes with his stepson?” -inquired Hale dryly, and Polly changed color, -but she ignored his question as she went bravely -on.</p> - -<p>“Your offer to increase my salary and your unsolicited -loan, Judith, increased my suspicion,” -she stated. “I thought that you were trying to -bribe me. Then your threat about the locket—”</p> - -<p>“What was in the locket?” asked Richards -and his father-in-law simultaneously.</p> - -<p>Polly looked swiftly at John Hale and then -away. She was deadly white.</p> - -<p>“Last week,” she began, “I had a letter from -Austin in which he said that rumors had reached -him of my infatuation for”—she stammered, -then went bravely on—“for his stepfather, that -if I permitted John to make love to me he would -show him a letter I had written. It was a piece -of sheer folly, but”—her voice trembled—“the -letter was compromising. Austin stated that he -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_290">[Pg 290]</span>kept the letter in a locket I had given him and -would bring them both to Washington.”</p> - -<p>“What followed?” asked Mrs. Hale, more -absorbed in Polly’s tale than in all else.</p> - -<p>“I wrote Austin that I did not fear his threat -and broke our engagement.” The girl paused. -“I have already told you that Austin wired he -would be here Tuesday night. I heard that Mrs. -Hale and John were going to the French Embassy, -I knew that Mr. Hale was ill in bed, and so I -came here that night on impulse, trusting to -chance to see Austin alone and persuade him to -destroy the letter. The murderer,” she shuddered, -“has testified that I entered the house after he -had killed Austin.” She turned abruptly to -Judith. “What was your object in taking the -locket?”</p> - -<p>“My desire to shield you,” Judith answered. -“Austin wrote me at the same time he did you, -telling of the existence of such a letter, and that -he carried it in a locket to have it in instant readiness. -I had no idea that he would be here Tuesday -night, and when I found his body as I started -to leave the library, I jumped to the conclusion, -Polly, that you had killed him and in terror had -run away without securing the locket.”</p> - -<p>“Would it not have been easier for you to have -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_291">[Pg 291]</span>taken the watch and chain as well?” asked -Richards.</p> - -<p>“I feared that if the watch were missing search -would be made for it,” she explained. -“Whereas, if only Polly and I knew about the -locket it would not be missed. I had Polly’s -shears in my sewing bag, having picked them up -when in Father’s den early Tuesday afternoon. -I dropped them after securing the locket, and -afterwards came down into the library to get them -and found Joe talking to Coroner Penfield and -Mr. Ferguson.”</p> - -<p>“Polly,”—Robert Hale’s sudden pronouncement -of her name made the girl start nervously—“why -did you supply Austin with the combination -of my safe?”</p> - -<p>“I did not give it to him,” she denied indignantly.</p> - -<p>“Indeed? Then why did you write this cryptic -message, ‘Saw Austin-10-t-b-53-76c,’ over -and over on a page of copied manuscript?” and -Hale held out the sheet he had shown his brother -earlier that day.</p> - -<p>Polly stared at it. “My mind was far from my -work,” she stammered. “I wrote mechanically -on the typewriter any silly sentences that came into -my head. I did know your safe-combination, -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_292">[Pg 292]</span>for you had me write it down for you once and -the figures dwelt in my memory; but indeed I did -not repeat them to Austin.”</p> - -<p>“You did not need to,” broke in Mrs. Hale. -“I had Austin once open the safe for me, Robert, -in your absence. I needed my jewelry, and I -supposed he remembered the combination or—”</p> - -<p>“Or jotted it down for future use,” Turner -interrupted her brusquely. “I found a soiled -bit of paper with several numbers torn off on -Austin’s bureau when I slipped in his bedroom -on my way to bed. He must have refreshed his -memory before going down to the library by -studying the paper.”</p> - -<p>“What was he searching for in the safe?” -asked Hale.</p> - -<p>“I know,” volunteered Mrs. Hale. She stared -anywhere but at her husband. “Austin had very -wheedling ways, and sometimes when he was hard -pressed for money, he persuaded me to lend it to -him.”</p> - -<p>“Agatha!”</p> - -<p>“I know, Robert, it was foolish.” Mrs. Hale’s -voice trembled with a suspicion of tears. “The -sum finally totaled four thousand seven hundred -and eighty-two dollars.”</p> - -<p>“Good Lord!” and Hale eyed her in dismay.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_293">[Pg 293]</span></p> - -<p>“I had his memorandum of his indebtedness,” -she went on, paying no attention to her husband. -“I wrote reminding him of it, and that I had -placed it in your safe intending to show it to -you, Robert—” Hale groaned dismally and his -wife burst into tears. “I dared not ask outright -about the memorandum as I feared it might -be suspected that Austin and I had quarreled over -it.”</p> - -<p>Judith broke in upon any reproaches her father -might have made.</p> - -<p>“It was to solve Austin’s reason for opening -your safe, Father, that caused me to search it -this afternoon in hopes of finding a clew,” she -said.</p> - -<p>“Where did you get the combination?”</p> - -<p>“From your playing card,” she explained. “I -knew your absent-minded habits and recalled seeing -some pin scratches on the Knave of Hearts -which, by the way, I picked up in this library -Friday night and later placed on top of my husband’s -pack, thinking, as the back of the cards -were similar, it belonged to him. So this afternoon -after Dr. McLane left I could not rest, the -card recurred to me, and I searched my husband’s -pack. Not finding it, I went to your den and discovered -it among your papers. I had just opened -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_294">[Pg 294]</span>the safe when Maud”—catching herself up—“that -man, blindfolded me.”</p> - -<p>“And what induced you to tempt providence -again, Turner?” demanded Ferguson turning to -his prisoner. “You might have escaped detection -but for that.”</p> - -<p>“Perhaps,” was the sullen answer. “I knew -Mr. Hale had deposited negotiable bonds and a -large sum of money there over Sunday—”</p> - -<p>Judith interrupted him with an exclamation. -“Did you steal my Valve bonds on Tuesday -night?”</p> - -<p>Turner nodded. “It was all I did get.” His -bitter chuckle was brief. “I was well scared -after the murder but I dared not bolt for fear -of centering suspicion upon me, and then I had -no money. I nosed around everywhere looking -for something I could steal to raise ready cash. -I was afraid to dispose of Miss Judith’s bonds -because it might have been traced to me. In my -search I found Miss Polly had brought some -bonds in an envelope and when she was with Mrs. -Hale I sneaked it out.”</p> - -<p>“You did?” Polly looked at him in round-eyed -surprise. “But I found the bonds there.”</p> - -<p>“Sure you did,” again Turner chuckled, “but -they weren’t <i>your</i> Valve bonds, but Miss Judith’s. -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_295">[Pg 295]</span>I noticed they were the same, so I substituted -hers in your envelope, knowing that I could sell -yours without danger of the numbers’ being traced -to Austin’s murder.”</p> - -<p>“But—but,” Polly turned in perplexity to -Richards. “Then the Valve bonds I asked you -to sell for me Friday afternoon were Judith’s?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, evidently,” Richards addressed Frank -Latimer. “I gave Miss Polly my check for her -bonds before going to your brokerage office where -I sold the bonds to you and put up the cash to -cover my margins with you.” Before the stockbroker -could answer him, Richards looked at Polly -searchingly. “Tell us, Miss Polly, how you contrived -to steal the jewelry out of Judith’s bedroom -last night when she and I were sitting in -the boudoir—the only entrance to the inner -room?”</p> - -<p>The girl was slow in answering. “After -Judith left me last night, I was desperate,” she -admitted finally. “I feared the locket would be -used to entangle me in the murder, if not convict -me of the crime, and I decided to steal it at all -costs. I took all your jewelry—which, by the -way, has been mailed back to you registered post, -Judith—thinking that the theft would then be -attributed to an ordinary sneak thief. As to -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_296">[Pg 296]</span>how I passed you unobserved in entering your -bedroom”—for the first time Polly smiled—“some -scientific detectives would describe it as -a case of psychological invisibility, where the -physical eye sees, but the brain fails to record the -eye’s message, but”—again she smiled—“you -and Major Richards were so absorbed in each -other that you never noticed me when I slipped -through the boudoir and out again.”</p> - -<p>A rich color suffused Judith’s cheeks. “Did -the locket contain your letter, Polly?” she asked. -“Or was Austin’s threat an idle one? I”—with -a quick proud lift of her head—“never examined -the locket.”</p> - -<p>Polly opened her hand bag to which she had -clung ever since entering the library, and took out -the locket. She held it up that all might see the -slightly raised lettering of the word “Mizpah,” -then without a word she pressed a spring and -from the locket took a many folded thin sheet of -note paper. She spread it open and laid it in -John Hale’s hand.</p> - -<p>“This is a letter of a foolish, indiscreet girl, -longing for a little attention, a little of this -world’s fun,” she said soberly. “I was caught -by the dross, and it was not until I grew to know -you, John, that I found pure gold.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_297">[Pg 297]</span></p> - -<p>John Hale looked at her and then at the letter.</p> - -<p>“Austin telephoned me from New York to meet -him here on Tuesday at midnight and to say -nothing to any one of his expected arrival,” he -stated. “He intimated that he had an important -disclosure to make about you. I left Agatha at -the French Embassy, and I had just reached the -corner when I saw you, Polly, dash down the steps -and go up the street. I started to overtake you, -then turned back. I could not make up my mind -to face Austin then, for I knew I would kill -him,” John’s hands clenched and unclenched -spasmodically. “Finally, I returned to the Embassy -for Agatha and when we walked in here I -was confronted with Austin’s dead body. I imagined -you had seen him, Polly, and goaded by -threats had stabbed him, for I recognized the -shears as ones I had seen on your desk in Robert’s -den.”</p> - -<p>John stopped speaking and looked down at the -letter still clutched in his extended hand, then -striding swiftly to the fireplace he threw the unread -letter on the blazing wood. As it ignited -and flared into a blaze, he turned with outstretched -hands to Polly who had watched him -in an agony of suspense.</p> - -<p>“Polly,” he began, and his voice quivered with -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_298">[Pg 298]</span>emotion, “will you take me, for better, for -worse?”</p> - -<p>Polly’s eyes were blinded with tears, but winking -them away, she looked bravely up at him.</p> - -<p>“Will <i>you</i> take a repentant, adoring fool?” -she asked, and John Hale’s low cry of happiness -found echo in her heart as, regardless of the -others, he slipped his arm about her and led her -from the library.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Hale watched the lovers disappear, and -with mixed feelings, searched hastily for a dry -handkerchief. But all she dragged to light out -of her bag was a half sheet of note paper.</p> - -<p>“Bless me!” she exclaimed. “Here’s that -note from Austin to me saying he was going to -San Francisco—what did you do with the last -page, my dear?” turning to Judith.</p> - -<p>“The last page?” echoed Judith; she looked -as puzzled as she felt, and Jim Turner answered -the question for her.</p> - -<p>“I found that paper in Austin’s bedroom, also,” -he volunteered. “It was just the half-sheet. -Why he brought it with him I don’t know, but -anyway I thought it a good plant and slipped the -page in the pocket of Miss Judith’s electric, knowing -some one would find it.” He turned to Mrs. -Hale who had moved a trifle nearer. “I have -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_299">[Pg 299]</span>your memorandum of Austin’s indebtedness to -you; I kept it for blackmailing purposes, but”—he -stopped abruptly, conscious that his voice was -a bit shaky.</p> - -<p>“How’d you happen to disguise yourself as a -woman?” asked Ferguson.</p> - -<p>“I used to play in amateur theatricals, and on -account of my small size, effeminate appearance -and voice was generally cast for a girl’s part,” -Turner explained. “I had to lay low after that -Shield’s affair—it meant fifteen years in the -‘pen’ if caught. Well,”—with his free hand he -dashed away the moisture which had gathered on -his forehead and felt his closely shaven head—“I’d -rather be hung than endure a living death. -Come on, Ferguson,” and without a backward -glance he departed in charge of the detective.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Hale dropped down on the divan and her -expression caused her husband to hurry to her -side.</p> - -<p>“Are you going to faint, Agatha?” he asked -anxiously.</p> - -<p>She looked at him vacantly before answering.</p> - -<p>“I don’t know,” she said, “how I shall ever -get over having my confidential maid turn out -to be a man,” and a burst of tears relieved her -overcharged feelings.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_300">[Pg 300]</span></p> - -<p>Richards left husband and wife together and -turned to speak to Judith, only to find her gone. -A look in the dining room showed that she was not -there, and racing upstairs two steps at a time, -he dashed into their boudoir. Judith turned from -the fireplace and looked at him inquiringly.</p> - -<p>“Judith,” his pent-up worship of her spoke in -eye and voice, “what can I say to you, my darling, -my best beloved? Your faith, your loyalty—”</p> - -<p>“Are surpassed by yours,” she answered -softly, “dear heart of mine.”</p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /></div> - -<div class="adblock"> -<p class="ph2 nobreak">Popular Copyright Novels</p> - -<p class="center no-indent"><i>AT MODERATE PRICES</i></p> - -<p class="center no-indent">Ask Your Dealer for a Complete List of -A. L. Burt Company’s Popular Copyright Fiction</p> - -<div class="ul"> -<b>Adventures of Jimmie Dale, The.</b> By Frank L. Packard.<br /> -<b>Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.</b> By A. Conan Doyle.<br /> -<b>Affinities, and Other Stories.</b> By Mary Roberts Rinehart.<br /> -<b>After House, The.</b> By Mary Roberts Rinehart.<br /> -<b>Against the Winds.</b> By Kate Jordan.<br /> -<b>Ailsa Paige.</b> By Robert W. 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Valley, The.</b> By Robert Watson.<br /> -<b>Girl of the Blue Ridge, A.</b> By Payne Erskine.<br /> -<b>Girl from Keller’s, The.</b> By Harold Bindloss.<br /> -<b>Girl Philippa, The.</b> By Robert W. Chambers.<br /> -<b>Girls at His Billet, The.</b> By Berta Ruck.<br /> -<b>Glory Rides the Range.</b> By Ethel and James Dorrance.<br /> -<b>Gloved Hand, The.</b> By Burton E. Stevenson.<br /> -<b>God’s Country and the Woman.</b> By James Oliver Curwood.<br /> -<b>God’s Good Man.</b> By Marie Corelli.<br /> -<b>Going Some.</b> By Rex Beach.<br /> -<b>Gold Girl, The.</b> By James B. Hendryx.<br /> -<b>Golden Scorpion, The.</b> By Sax Rohmer.<br /> -<b>Golden Slipper, The.</b> By Anna Katharine Green.<br /> -<b>Golden Woman, The.</b> By Ridgwell Cullum.<br /> -<b>Good References.</b> By E. J. Rath.<br /> -<b>Gorgeous Girl, The.</b> By Nalbro Bartley.<br /> -<b>Gray Angels, The.</b> By Nalbro Bartley.<br /> -<b>Great Impersonation, The.</b> By E. Phillips Oppenheim.<br /> -<b>Greater Love Hath No Man.</b> By Frank L. Packard.<br /> -<b>Green Eyes of Bast, The.</b> By Sax Rohmer.<br /> -<b>Greyfriars Bobby.</b> By Eleanor Atkinson.<br /> -<b>Gun Brand, The.</b> By James B. Hendryx.<br /> -<br /> -<b>Hand of Fu-Manchu, The.</b> By Sax Rohmer.<br /> -<b>Happy House.</b> By Baroness Von Hutten.<br /> -<b>Harbor Road, The.</b> By Sara Ware Bassett.<br /> -<b>Havoc.</b> By E. Phillips Oppenheim.<br /> -<b>Heart of the Desert, The.</b> By Honoré Willsie.<br /> -<b>Heart of the Hills, The.</b> By John Fox, Jr.<br /> -<b>Heart of the Sunset.</b> By Rex Beach.<br /> -<b>Heart of Thunder Mountain, The.</b> By Edfrid A. Bingham.<br /> -<b>Heart of Unaga, The.</b> By Ridgwell Cullum.<br /> -<b>Hidden Children, The.</b> By Robert W. Chambers.<br /> -<b>Hidden Trails.</b> By William Patterson White.<br /> -<b>Highflyers, The.</b> By Clarence B. Kelland.<br /> -<b>Hillman, The.</b> By E. Phillips Oppenheim.<br /> -<b>Hills of Refuge, The.</b> By Will N. Harben.<br /> -<b>His Last Bow.</b> By A. Conan Doyle.<br /> -<b>His Official Fiancee.</b> By Berta Ruck.<br /> -<b>Honor of the Big Snows.</b> By James Oliver Curwood.<br /> -<b>Hopalong Cassidy.</b> By Clarence E. Mulford.<br /> -<b>Hound from the North, The.</b> By Ridgwell Cullum.<br /> -<b>House of the Whispering Pines, The.</b> By Anna Katharine Green.<br /> -<b>Hugh Wynne, Free Quaker.</b> By S. Weir Mitchell, M.D.<br /> -<b>Humoresque.</b> By Fannie Hurst.<br /> -<br /> -<b>I Conquered.</b> By Harold Titus.<br /> -<b>Illustrious Prince, The.</b> By E. Phillips Oppenheim.<br /> -<b>In Another Girl’s Shoes.</b> By Berta Ruck.<br /> -<b>Indifference of Juliet, The.</b> By Grace S. Richmond.<br /> -<b>Inez.</b> (Ill. Ed.) By Augusta J. Evans.<br /> -<b>Infelice.</b> By Augusta Evans Wilson.<br /> -<b>Initials Only.</b> By Anna Katharine Green.<br /> -<b>Inner Law, The.</b> By Will N. Harben.<br /> -<b>Innocent.</b> By Marie Corelli.<br /> -<b>In Red and Gold.</b> By Samuel Merwin.<br /> -<b>Insidious Dr. Fu-Manchu, The.</b> By Sax Rohmer.<br /> -<b>In the Brooding Wild.</b> By Ridgwell Cullum.<br /> -<b>Intriguers, The.</b> By William Le Queux.<br /> -<b>Iron Furrow, The.</b> By George C. Shedd.<br /> -<b>Iron Trail, The.</b> By Rex Beach.<br /> -<b>Iron Woman, The.</b> By Margaret Deland.<br /> -<b>Ishmael.</b> (Ill.) By Mrs. Southworth.<br /> -<b>Island of Surprise.</b> By Cyrus Townsend Brady.<br /> -<b>I Spy.</b> By Natalie Sumner Lincoln.<br /> -<b>It Pays to Smile.</b> By Nina Wilcox Putnam.<br /> -<b>I’ve Married Marjorie.</b> By Margaret Widdemer.<br /> -<br /> -<b>Jean of the Lazy A.</b> By B. M. Bower.<br /> -<b>Jeanne of the Marshes.</b> By E. Phillips Oppenheim.<br /> -<b>Jennie Gerhardt.</b> By Theodore Dreiser.<br /> -<b>Johnny Nelson.</b> By Clarence E. Mulford.<br /> -<b>Judgment House, The.</b> By Gilbert Parker.<br /> -<br /> -<b>Keeper of the Door, The.</b> By Ethel M. Dell.<br /> -<b>Keith of the Border.</b> By Randall Parrish.<br /> -<b>Kent Knowles: Quahaug.</b> By Joseph C. Lincoln.<br /> -<b>Kingdom of the Blind, The.</b> By E. Phillips Oppenheim.<br /> -<b>King Spruce.</b> By Holman Day.<br /> -<b>Knave of Diamonds, The.</b> By Ethel M. Dell.<br /> -<br /> -<b>La Chance Mine Mystery, The.</b> By S. Carleton.<br /> -<b>Lady Doc, The.</b> By Caroline Lockhart.<br /> -<b>Land-Girl’s Love Story, A.</b> By Berta Ruck.<br /> -<b>Land of Strong Men, The.</b> By A. M. Chisholm.<br /> -<b>Last Straw, The.</b> By Harold Titus.<br /> -<b>Last Trail, The.</b> By Zane Grey.<br /> -<b>Laughing Bill Hyde.</b> By Rex Beach.<br /> -<b>Laughing Girl, The.</b> By Robert W. Chambers.<br /> -<b>Law Breakers, The.</b> By Ridgwell Cullum.<br /> -<b>Law of the Gun, The.</b> By Ridgwell Cullum.<br /> -<b>League of the Scarlet Pimpernel.</b> By Baroness Orczy.<br /> -<b>Lifted Veil, The.</b> By Basil King.<br /> -<b>Lighted Way, The.</b> By E. Phillips Oppenheim.<br /> -<b>Lin McLean.</b> By Owen Wister.<br /> -<b>Little Moment of Happiness, The.</b> By Clarence Budington Kelland.<br /> -<b>Lion’s Mouse, The.</b> By C. N. & A. M. Williamson.<br /> -<b>Lonesome Land.</b> By B. M. Bower.<br /> -<b>Lone Wolf, The.</b> By Louis Joseph Vance.<br /> -<b>Lonely Stronghold, The.</b> By Mrs. Baillie Reynolds.<br /> -<b>Long Live the King.</b> By Mary Roberts Rinehart.<br /> -<b>Lost Ambassador.</b> By E. Phillips Oppenheim.<br /> -<b>Lost Prince, The.</b> By Frances Hodgson Burnett.<br /> -<b>Lydia of the Pines.</b> By Honorè Willsie.<br /> -<b>Lynch Lawyers.</b> By William Patterson White.<br /> -<br /> -<b>Macaria.</b> (Ill. Ed.) By Augusta J. Evans.<br /> -<b>Maid of the Forest, The.</b> By Randall Parrish.<br /> -<b>Maid of Mirabelle, The.</b> By Eliot H. Robinson.<br /> -<b>Maid of the Whispering Hills, The.</b> By Vingie E. Roe.<br /> -<b>Major, The.</b> By Ralph Connor.<br /> -<b>Maker of History, A.</b> By E. Phillips Oppenheim.<br /> -<b>Malefactor, The.</b> By E. Phillips Oppenheim.<br /> -<b>Man from Bar 20, The.</b> By Clarence E. Mulford.<br /> -<b>Man from Bitter Roots, The.</b> By Caroline Lockhart.<br /> -<b>Man from Tall Timber, The.</b> By Thomas K. Holmes.<br /> -<b>Man in the Jury Box, The.</b> By Robert Orr Chipperfield.<br /> -<b>Man-Killers, The.</b> By Dane Coolidge.<br /> -<b>Man Proposes.</b> By Eliot H. Robinson, author of “Smiles.”<br /> -<b>Man Trail, The.</b> By Henry Oyen.<br /> -<b>Man Who Couldn’t Sleep, The.</b> By Arthur Stringer.<br /> -<b>Marqueray’s Duel.</b> By Anthony Pryde.<br /> -<b>Mary ’Gusta.</b> By Joseph C. Lincoln.<br /> -<b>Mary Wollaston.</b> By Henry Kitchell Webster.<br /> -<b>Mason of Bar X Ranch.</b> By E. Bennett.<br /> -<b>Master Christian, The.</b> By Marie Corelli.<br /> -<b>Master Mummer, The.</b> By E. Phillips Oppenheim.<br /> -<b>Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes.</b> By A. Conan Doyle.<br /> -<b>Men Who Wrought, The.</b> By Ridgwell Cullum.<br /> -<b>Midnight of the Ranges.</b> By George Gilbert.<br /> -<b>Mischief Maker, The.</b> By E. Phillips Oppenheim.<br /> -<b>Missioner, The.</b> By E. Phillips Oppenheim.<br /> -<b>Miss Million’s Maid.</b> By Berta Ruck.<br /> -<b>Money Master, The.</b> By Gilbert Parker.<br /> -<b>Money Moon, The.</b> By Jeffery Farnol.<br /> -<b>Moonlit Way, The.</b> By Robert W. Chambers.<br /> -<b>More Tish.</b> By Mary Roberts Rinehart.<br /> -<b>Mountain Girl, The.</b> By Payne Erskine.<br /> -<b>Mr. Bingle.</b> By George Barr McCutcheon.<br /> -<b>Mr. Grex of Monte Carlo.</b> By E. Phillips Oppenheim.<br /> -<b>Mr. Pratt.</b> By Joseph C. Lincoln.<br /> -<b>Mr. Pratt’s Patients.</b> By Joseph C. Lincoln.<br /> -<b>Mr. Wu.</b> By Louise Jordan Miln.<br /> -<b>Mrs. Balfame.</b> By Gertrude Atherton.<br /> -<b>Mrs. Red Pepper.</b> By Grace S. Richmond.<br /> -<b>My Lady of the North.</b> By Randall Parrish.<br /> -<b>My Lady of the South.</b> By Randall Parrish.<br /> -<b>Mystery of the Hasty Arrow, The.</b> By Anna K. Green.<br /> -<b>Mystery of the Silver Dagger, The.</b> By Randall Parrish.<br /> -<b>Mystery of the 13th Floor, The.</b> By Lee Thayer.<br /> -<br /> -<b>Nameless Man, The.</b> By Natalie Sumner Lincoln.<br /> -<b>Ne’er-Do-Well, The.</b> By Rex Beach.<br /> -<b>Net, The.</b> By Rex Beach.<br /> -<b>New Clarion.</b> By Will N. Harben.<br /> -<b>Night Horseman, The.</b> By Max Brand.<br /> -<b>Night Operator, The.</b> By Frank L. Packard.<br /> -<b>Night Riders, The.</b> By Ridgwell Cullum.<br /> -<b>North of the Law.</b> By Samuel Alexander White.<br /> -<br /> -<b>One Way Trail, The.</b> By Ridgwell Cullum.<br /> -<b>Outlaw, The.</b> By Jackson Gregory.<br /> -<b>Owner of the Lazy D.</b> By William Patterson White.<br /> -<br /> -<b>Painted Meadows.</b> By Sophie Kerr.<br /> -<b>Palmetto.</b> By Stella G. S. Perry.<br /> -<b>Paradise Bend.</b> By William Patterson White.<br /> -<b>Pardners.</b> By Rex Beach.<br /> -<b>Parrot & Co.</b> By Harold MacGrath.<br /> -<b>Partners of the Night.</b> By Leroy Scott.<br /> -<b>Partners of the Tide.</b> By Joseph C. Lincoln.<br /> -<b>Passionate Pilgrim, The.</b> By Samuel Merwin.<br /> -<b>Patricia Brent, Spinster.</b> By Anonymous.<br /> -<b>Patrol of the Sun Dance Trail, The.</b> By Ralph Connor.<br /> -<b>Paul Anthony, Christian.</b> By Hiram W. Hayes.<br /> -<b>Pawns Count, The.</b> By E. Phillips Oppenheim.<br /> -<b>Peacemakers, The.</b> By Hiram W. Hayes.<br /> -<b>Peddler, The.</b> By Henry C. Rowland.<br /> -<b>People’s Man, A.</b> By E. Phillips Oppenheim.<br /> -<b>Peter Ruff and the Double Four.</b> By E. Phillips Oppenheim.<br /> -<b>Poor Man’s Rock.</b> By Bertrand Sinclair.<br /> -<b>Poor Wise Man, A.</b> By Mary Roberts Rinehart.<br /> -<b>Portygee, The.</b> By Joseph C. Lincoln.<br /> -<b>Possession.</b> By Olive Wadsley.<br /> -<b>Postmaster, The.</b> By Joseph C. Lincoln.<br /> -<b>Prairie Flowers.</b> By James B. Hendryx.<br /> -<b>Prairie Mother, The.</b> By Arthur Stringer.<br /> -<b>Prairie Wife, The.</b> By Arthur Stringer.<br /> -<b>Pretender, The.</b> By Robert W. Service.<br /> -<b>Price of the Prairie, The.</b> By Margaret Hill McCarter.<br /> -<b>Prince of Sinners, A.</b> By E. Phillips Oppenheim.<br /> -<b>Promise, The.</b> By J. B. Hendryx.<br /> -<br /> -<b>Quest of the Sacred Slipper, The.</b> By Sax Rohmer.<br /> -<br /> -<b>Rainbow’s End, The.</b> By Rex Beach.<br /> -<b>Rainbow Valley.</b> By L. M. Montgomery.<br /> -<b>Ranch at the Wolverine, The.</b> By B. M. Bower.<br /> -<b>Ranching for Sylvia.</b> By Harold Bindloss.<br /> -<b>Ransom.</b> By Arthur Somers Roche.<br /> -<b>Real Life.</b> By Henry Kitchell Webster.<br /> -<b>Reclaimers, The.</b> By Margaret Hill McCarter.<br /> -<b>Re-Creation of Brian Kent, The.</b> By Harold Bell Wright.<br /> -<b>Red and Black.</b> By Grace S. Richmond.<br /> -<b>Red Mist, The.</b> By Randall Parrish.<br /> -<b>Red Pepper Burns.</b> By Grace S. Richmond.<br /> -<b>Red Pepper’s Patients.</b> By Grace S. Richmond.<br /> -<b>Red Seal, The.</b> By Natalie Sumner Lincoln.<br /> -<b>Rejuvenation of Aunt Mary, The.</b> By Anne Warner.<br /> -<b>Restless Sex, The.</b> By Robert W. Chambers.<br /> -<b>Return of Dr. Fu-Manchu, The.</b> By Sax Rohmer.<br /> -<b>Return of Tarzan, The.</b> By Edgar Rice Burroughs.<br /> -<b>Riddle of the Frozen Flame, The.</b> By M. E. and T. W. Hanshew.<br /> -<b>Riddle of Night, The.</b> By Thomas W. Hanshew.<br /> -<b>Riddle of the Purple Emperor, The.</b> By T. W. and M. E. Hanshew.<br /> -<b>Rider of the King Log, The.</b> By Holman Day.<br /> -<b>Rim of the Desert, The.</b> By Ada Woodruff Anderson.<br /> -<b>Rise of Roscoe Paine, The.</b> By Joseph C. Lincoln.<br /> -<b>Rising Tide, The.</b> By Margaret Deland.<br /> -<b>Rocks of Valpré, The.</b> By Ethel M. Dell.<br /> -<b>Room Number 3.</b> By Anna Katharine Green.<br /> -<b>Rose in the Ring, The.</b> By George Barr McCutcheon.<br /> -<b>Round the Corner in Gay Street.</b> By Grace S. Richmond.<br /> -<br /> -<b>St. Elmo.</b> (Ill. Ed.) By Augusta J. Evans.<br /> -<b>Second Choice.</b> By Will N. Harben.<br /> -<b>Second Latchkey, The.</b> By C. N. & A. M. Williamson.<br /> -<b>Second Violin, The.</b> By Grace S. Richmond.<br /> -<b>Secret of the Reef, The.</b> By Harold Bindloss.<br /> -<b>Secret of Sarek, The.</b> By Maurice Leblanc.<br /> -<b>See-Saw, The.</b> By Sophie Kerr.<br /> -<b>Self-Raised.</b> (Ill.) By Mrs. Southworth.<br /> -<b>Shavings.</b> By Joseph C. Lincoln.<br /> -<b>Sheik, The.</b> By E. M. Hull.<br /> -<b>Shepherd of the Hills, The.</b> By Harold Bell Wright.<br /> -<b>Sheriff of Dyke Hole, The.</b> By Ridgwell Cullum.<br /> -<b>Sheriff of Silver Bow, The.</b> By Berton Braley.<br /> -<b>Sherry.</b> By George Barr McCutcheon.<br /> -<b>Side of the Angels, The.</b> By Basil King.<br /> -<b>Sight Unseen and The Confession.</b> By Mary Robert Rinehart.<br /> -<b>Silver Horde, The.</b> By Rex Beach.<br /> -<b>Sin That Was His, The.</b> By Frank L. Packard.<br /> -<b>Sixty-first Second, The.</b> By Owen Johnson.<br /> -<b>Slayer of Souls, The.</b> By Robert W. Chambers<br /> -<b>Son of His Father, The.</b> By Ridgwell Cullum.<br /> -<b>Son of Tarzan, The.</b> By Edgar Rice Burroughs.<br /> -<b>Speckled Bird, A.</b> By Augusta Evans Wilson.<br /> -<b>Spirit of the Border, The.</b> (New Edition.) By Zane Grey.<br /> -<b>Spoilers, The.</b> By Rex Beach.<br /> -<b>Steele of the Royal Mounted.</b> By James Oliver Curwood.<br /> -<b>Still Jim.</b> By Honoré Willsie.<br /> -<b>Story of Foss River Ranch, The.</b> By Ridgwell Cullum.<br /> -<b>Story of Marco, The.</b> By Eleanor H. Porter.<br /> -<b>Strange Case of Cavendish, The.</b> By Randall Parrish.<br /> -<b>Strawberry Acres.</b> By Grace S. Richmond.<br /> -<b>Sudden Jim.</b> By Clarence B. Kelland.<br /> -<b>Sweethearts Unmet.</b> By Berta Ruck.<br /> -<br /> -<b>Tales of Secret Egypt.</b> By Sax Rohmer.<br /> -<b>Tales of Sherlock Holmes.</b> By A. Conan Doyle.<br /> -<b>Talitha Cumi.</b> By Annie J. Holland.<br /> -<b>Taming of Zenas Henry, The.</b> By Sara Ware Bassett.<br /> -<b>Tarzan of the Apes.</b> By Edgar Rice Burroughs.<br /> -<b>Tarzan and the Jewels of Opar.</b> By Edgar Rice Burroughs.<br /> -<b>Tempting of Tavemake, The.</b> By E. Phillips Oppenheim.<br /> -<b>Tess of the D’Urbervilles.</b> By Thomas Hardy.<br /> -<b>Texan, The.</b> By James B. Hendryx.<br /> -<b>Thankful’s Inheritance.</b> By Joseph C. Lincoln.<br /> -<b>That Affair Next Door.</b> By Anna Katharine Green.<br /> -<b>That Printer of Udell’s.</b> By Harold Bell Wright.<br /> -<b>Their Yesterdays.</b> By Harold Bell Wright.<br /> -<b>Thieves’ Wit.</b> By Hulbert Footner.<br /> -<b>Thirteenth Commandment, The.</b> By Rupert Hughes.<br /> -<b>Three Eyes, The.</b> By Maurice Leblanc.<br /> -<b>Three of Hearts, The.</b> By Berta Ruck.<br /> -<b>Three Strings, The.</b> By Natalie Sumner Lincoln.<br /> -<b>Tiger’s Coat, The.</b> By Elizabeth Dejeans.<br /> -<b>Tish.</b> By Mary Roberts Rinehart.<br /> -<b>Tobias O’ the Light.</b> By James A. Cooper.<br /> -<b>Trail of the Axe, The.</b> By Ridgwell Cullum.<br /> -<b>Trail to Yesterday, The.</b> By Charles A. Seltzer.<br /> -<b>Trailin’.</b> By Max Brand.<br /> -<b>Trap, The.</b> By Maximilian Foster.<br /> -<b>Treasure of Heaven, The.</b> By Marie Corelli.<br /> -<b>Triple Mystery, The.</b> By Adele Luehrmann.<br /> -<b>Triumph, The.</b> By Will N. Harben.<br /> -<b>Triumph of John Kars, The.</b> By Ridgwell Cullum.<br /> -<b>T. Tembarom.</b> By Frances Hodgson Burnett.<br /> -<b>Turn of the Tide.</b> By Author of “Pollyanna.”<br /> -<b>Turnstile of Night, The.</b> By William Allison.<br /> -<b>Twenty-fourth of June, The.</b> By Grace S. Richmond.<br /> -<b>Twins of Suffering Creek, The.</b> By Ridgwell Cullum.<br /> -<b>Two-Gun Man, The.</b> By Charles A. Seltzer.<br /> -<br /> -<b>Under Handicap.</b> By Jackson Gregory.<br /> -<b>Under the Country Sky.</b> By Grace S. Richmond.<br /> -<b>Underwood Mystery, The.</b> By Charles J. Dutton.<br /> -<b>Uneasy Street.</b> By Arthur Somers Roche.<br /> -<b>Unpardonable Sin, The.</b> By Major Rupert Hughes.<br /> -<b>Untamed, The.</b> By Max Brand.<br /> -<b>Up from Slavery.</b> By Booker T. Washington.<br /> -<br /> -<b>Valiants of Virginia, The.</b> By Hallie Ermine Rives.<br /> -<b>Valley of Fear, The.</b> By Sir A. Conan Doyle.<br /> -<b>Valley of the Sun, The.</b> By William M. McCoy.<br /> -<b>Vanguards of the Plains.</b> By Margaret Hill McCarter.<br /> -<b>Vanished Messenger, The.</b> By E. Phillips Oppenheim.<br /> -<b>Vashti.</b> By Augusta Evans Wilson.<br /> -<b>Virtuous Wives.</b> By Owen Johnson.<br /> -<b>Voice of the Pack, The.</b> By Edson Marshall.<br /> -<br /> -<b>Waif-o’-the-Sea.</b> By Cyrus Townsend Brady.<br /> -<b>Wall Between, The.</b> By Sara Ware Bassett.<br /> -<b>Wall of Men, A.</b> By Margaret H. McCarter.<br /> -<b>Watchers of the Plains, The.</b> By Ridgwell Cullum.<br /> -<b>Way Home, The.</b> By Basil King.<br /> -<b>Way of an Eagle, The.</b> By E. M. Dell.<br /> -<b>Way of the Strong, The.</b> By Ridgwell Cullum.<br /> -<b>Way of These Women, The.</b> By E. Phillips Oppenheim.<br /> -<b>We Can’t Have Everything.</b> By Major Rupert Hughes.<br /> -<b>Weavers, The.</b> By Gilbert Parker.<br /> -<b>West Wind Drift.</b> By George Barr McCutcheon.<br /> -<b>When a Man’s a Man.</b> By Harold Bell Wright.<br /> -<b>Where the Trail Divides.</b> By Will Lillibridge.<br /> -<b>Where There’s a Will.</b> By Mary R. Rinehart.<br /> -<b>White Moll, The.</b> By Frank L. Packard.<br /> -<b>Who Goes There?</b> By Robert W. Chambers.<br /> -<b>Why Not.</b> By Margaret Widdemer.</div></div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="transnote"><div class="chapter"> -<p class="ph2 nobreak" id="Transcribers_Notes"><span class="smcap">Transcriber’s Notes:</span></p> -</div> - -<p class="no-indent">On page 11, dectective has been changed to detective.</p> - -<p class="no-indent">On page 115, con’t has been changed to don’t.</p> - -<p class="no-indent">On page 224, dictagraph has been changed to dictograph.</p> - -<p class="no-indent">In the list of the publisher’s catalog, the following changes have been made:<br /> - -<span class="left">“Cabbage and Kings” became “Cabbages and Kings”;</span><br /> -<span class="left">“Erskine Dale Pioneer” became “Erskine Dale, Pioneer”;</span><br /> -<span class="left">“Honorè Willsie” became “Honoré Willsie”.</span></p> - -<p class="no-indent">All other spelling and hyphenation has been left as typeset.</p> - -<p class="no-indent">Minor silent changes have been make conform to standard punctuation -usage.</p></div> - -<div style='display:block; margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE UNSEEN EAR ***</div> -<div style='text-align:left'> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will -be renamed. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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