Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1892-10-03
vII.-ONE THREAD BREAKS.
By INSPECTOR BYRNEs. Illustrated
by REGINALD 7. SPERRY.


made sure of her number. He meant to
see her the next day and find out if he
could where Edna Lewis was living.
The interest which he had felt in this
girl, who represented to him SO fully his
ideal, was quickened ten fold by the late
occurrence. He had protected her from
one whom he was convinced by many
reasons she disliked and who boded her
no good. The glance that had shot from
her eye as she darted off when he had
freed her from DR.. Watson had spoken
of gratitude. He laughed at himself for
being tempted to think there was any
other feeling in that glance.
yet l had only seen her once" he
said to himself, as if to defend the absurd
thought that she would feel any deep in
terest in him. II saw her only once, and
she has lived in my brain and my heart
ever since. What soul she must have
to play as she did! What could have
made that woman play me like that?'
"That woman" was not the fascinating
Edna, but the singer who had decoyed
him away from her.
He remembered that Edna at the con-
cert had worn white satin dress, and
the singer had worn pink one. Then
they must have changed gowns! And
the long cloak he was sure was the same
as that he had seen upon the young girl
mt the time he had come to her rescue
and freed her from DR. Watson.
He recalled the singular change which
he had remarked in her playing. He
also remembered the strange fact that
he had turned his eyes directly from her
upon DR.. Watson.
The thought that he and the girl he
was beginning to feel such an interest
in could be swayed by common sym
pathetic feeling was pleasant to him,
but when he reflected that it was the
odious doctor who had apparently
swayed both their souls by some occult
magnetism he was indignant.
He could have endured it for her, but
that he, strong man, should be drawn
like piece of iron filing to the magnet
by this fellow, whom he hated and whom
he knew to be a villain, mortified his
pride.
at was only chance coincidence" he
said angrily to himself.
The next morning he called at the
house where he had been the night be-
fore with the singer. He had lost his
programme of the concert, and could not
recall her name But he trusted to his
wit to find her.
A colored man answered his impatient
ring at the bell.
as there public singer living in this
buildingy" Henshall asked.
''Yes, sir; there's two-Mrs. Bucks
and Miss Dudley"
Where is the man who was on duty
last night at II o'clock" he inquired.
HE doesn't come on till this even
ing" was the answer.
"Well, you can take me to Miss Dud-
ley's," he said impatiently at venture.
The elevator boy took him up to the
third floor and pointed to the door ON
the left. THAT is Miss Dudley's," he
said.
IIenshall rang the bell. The door was
.yned after two or three minutes by
young woman whom he had never seen.
Can l see Miss Dudley for mo-
ment% he asked.
"What do you want to see her for?"
said the young woman.
''It is on matter of private busi-
ness" he replied
The lady's face was not at all encour-
aging as she replied, II do not know it."
Have you any objections to telling
me why you and Miss Neville exchanged
dresses last night and why you led me ON
such wild goose chaser"
The lady's eyes twinkled little with
merriment as she recalled the incident.
Then she replied provokingly:
why, thought the least l could do
after your goodness in supplying me
with coupe to come home in was to al
low you to accompany meas far as the
door. SO you didn't mean to come with
me at ALL" she went on ironically
"How mortifying!"
Miss Dudley, I've no doubt it was
very amusing to hoodwink me as you did.
But you have not told me why you
changed dresses with Miss Neville and
wore her cloak"
"Why, you see, she asked me to, said
Miss Dudley, opening her eyes and look
ing very innocent.
And why did she ask you tor re-
torted Henshall, showing little irrita-
ton. 81 don't suppose it is common
thing for young women who sing or take
part in the same concert to change
clothes with each other to go home in!'
Miss Dudley smiled again. Then, as
If feeling that she had carried the matter
far enough in this line, she said decided
ly and with serious countenance:
IT have told you all have to say
about the matter. If you wish to know
more you will have to see Miss Neville
herself, and do not really know her ad-
dress. So can be of no service to you,
and must beg you to excuse me now"
Miss Dudley" said Henshall, soften
ing his tone, "you would not have acted
as you have unless you were friend to
Miss Neville. Believe me, you would
do her no harm by trusting me, as l am
-abemi- a true friend to the young lady.