Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1897-09-30
CHAPTER XII.

Annette Delmar was admitted 10 tn
drawing-room OF the Strong residence
She was thickly yelled. She told Mat
tliews she wanted to see Mr. WILDLY
at once. As she took her seat she heart
voices in the library across the hall
She recognized Whidby's voice and Col
Warrenton's. and now and then heart
masculine tones she did not recognize
She rose when WILDLY came in, but was
startled al the sight of his pale
troubled face.
Don't scod me-" she said, extending
her hands and speaking tcnderIy. u
could not let another day pass without
seeing you after my weakness yester'
day when you told me about your fool
lsh fears in regard to hypnotism and
your being the-the tool of some one
with that power was so Mortified,
you seemed so earnest about 1t, and
it shocked and frightened me so that !
could not comfort you. But now that
! have thought It all over ! am not
worrying at all, Dear, it Is only mag
nation on your part. You have read OF
such things and fancy them possible to
yourself. don't believe a word of it.
You had nothing in the world to do with
IL. IT Is only an absurd idea"
WILDLY put his arm round her and
drew her to sofa. He did not speak for
a minute. but sat stroking her glove1
hand. Then he said:
"You ought not to come here. dear;
it is imprudent; but it makes me very
happy, for it Is such strong proof of
your love and confidence. Unfortunate
". however. my morbid fears have just
been confirmed. DR., Lampkin, the
hypnotic expert, Of whom spoke
Yesterday. is IN the library with Col.
Warrenton There is now no doubt that
I was hypnotized and made to do the
deed"
What? Oh. Allred." Miss Delmar
paled, and he felt her shudder as she
leaned nearer to him.
"There is no longer any doubt about
It," he repeated, "Dr. Lampkin has just
been giving me good talk against wor-
rying over what can't be helped, and
really | do feel more hopeful about it.
Besides. all may come out well in the
end"
"But--but how do you know you did
il? It's perfectly absurd"
They put me to a test last night. |
won't trouble you with it, 1t would
only try your nerves to go into details.
| knew nothing about it. was hypno-
tized after fell asleep. and they got
sufficient proof to convince them. Now,
don't get excited, darling; you are
trembling all over, just as you did
yesterday"
Miss Delmar drew her hands from his
clasp and covered her face.
"Oh. cant bear it! simply cannot
bear to think that you did it in--in such
Il horrid way. Alfred, you didn't You
didn't"
The door bell rang. WILDLY sat star
ing into the frank eyes of the girl, un'
able to formulate a reply. Neither spoke
just then. They heard Matthews go tc
the door and open it; then gentleman
entered the drawing-room.
II beg your pardon, Mr.. WILDLY
he said. 81 am Minard Hendricks, the
detective who witnessed the proceed
ings in your bedroom last night.
thought might find DR.. Lampkin ant
Col. Warrenton here"
"They are now in the library
answered WILDLY, Matthews will
notify them that you are here, Take I
seat. Mr.. Hendricks"
Miss Delmor arose and extended hel
hand to WILDLY.
~ must be going" she said in low
voice.
II beg your pardon" said Hendricks
"You are Miss Delmar, | am sure.
would not detain you. but | am certain
that can tell you something you would
like to hear. Now, | see" Hendricks
went on, smiling reassuringly, "tha
you think am pretty bold to intro
duce myself in this abrupt way; bu
you must remember that am a detec
tive. and that 1t is my business some
times to introduce myself withou
much ceremony"
Miss Delmar smiled family an,
bowed. "0f course; that is your right
sir" she SAID
Then Col. Warrenton and DR.. Lamp
kin came in,
Good morning, gentlemen" sal,
Hendricks, II have been thinking owe
our mutual Investigations Of last night
and have come to the conclusion that
cannot harm my proceedings to er
deavor TO remove a false impression
from your minds in regard to MI
Whidby's actions when hypnotized b
the criminal. could have told you tn
truth last night but was not quit
ready TO do so"
"You don't think he was made to d
the deed?" asked DR.. Lampkin.
HE didn't" broke in Miss Dclmal
excitedly. 81 don't see how anyon