Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1902-04-03
III did say that believed Miss Mil


permit her to remain with the patientp
"Why not" demanded Kendall stern
~.
Elmcndorf replied with haste that
he saw no objection whatever. There
was n brief silence, and then Kendall
left the room, saying that he would
return presently. AS he passed the
head Of the steps leading up from the
main entrance of the building the
doors below were suddenly flung open,
and man appeared. He seemed to
Kendall to come up the steps without
touching them. In an instant his hand
was on Kendalls arm, and the doctor
carried three bruises for week as
the result of it.
Though the two men had a club ac-
quaintance. Alden did not show the
slightest trace Of recognition.
Miss Miller?" he said. his voice per-
fectly steady, CHASTITY steady, as Ken
dali afterward described it. as she
alive"
"She is" replied the doctor. "and
there is no immediate danger"
81 thank you" said Alden. 81 was
pretty nearly gone. | beg your par
don, how do you do. DR.. Kendall?"
And he extended his hand.
Il understand perfectly" said the
doctor. Miss Miller is conscious, en-
tirely rational and suffering far less
pain than you would suppose"
"Who did this?' demanded Alden.
"Shc has told you?"
"She does not know"
"She does not known echoed Alden,
his head sinking upon his breast.
81 am sorry to say that it will not
be wise for you to see her tonight"
said Kendall. I'VE must not subject
her to excitement. Please wait here"
And he led the way to the reception
room. 81 will go to Miss Miller's room
and bring you word"
Alden found himself in the presence
of Elmendorf. whom he took to be one
OF the doctors connected with the
establishment, which may Indicate
that there was more in the detectives
disguise than he had been willing to
admit to Kendall.
Il called to inquire about Miss Mil
ler,' said Alden after maintaining
silence to what seemed the limit of
his power
You are Mr.. Alden, l take it," was
the reply. well, you want to cheer
up. Miss Miller is doing fine"
Has she asked for me?"
Yes" but it was not Elmendorf's
voice that replied. she has asked for
you many times"
Alden turned to see Brenda at the
door. He stared at her as if she had
been figure raised up by some sud.
den conjuraton.
Brenda" he said at last. II find
you everywhere"
Did not my father tell you was
here" she asked, and he shook his
head.
II shall remain with Miss Miller I'M
til her mother comes" said Brenda.
DR.. Kendall has arranged it,"
Alden seemed mOmentarily to be at
a loss for words, but he did not strug-
gle for them or labor visibly with emo
ton. His manner still remained as it
had been hroughout-restraine me-
chanical
you are true blue, Brenda" he said
steadily. You always were"
Il am very glad to be here" she in.
terrupted, speaking softly and leading
MIN aside "She is an altogether Iowa
Die girl, and am going to be a sister
to her." she added, smiling instead
a ic 70,
circumstances. l will see that she is
not harasscd by questions and that she
lacks nothing that can possibly be
had"
Il cannot see her tonight" said AL
den. Can send message"
Il will take it to her" replied Bren-
da. And, by the way, l saw some
vlolets in her room. She likes them
especially, does she not! think Or.
Kendall would let me take in q few
from you"
in FIVE minutes l will have them"
said Alden. You will wait here! 1t
is very kind Of you"
He left the room hastily, and Brenda
explained his errand. Kendalrs man.
49, 49, hNi " 'l'hh tiIil sic might
have made an error in suggesting the
violets, but it was very different mat
ter that was upon the doctors mind.
| lie was making an effort to express
| himself when Elmendorf interrupted
| him.
"Dr. Kendall is worried" he said,
because he has permitted me to play
a trick upon you. To tell the truth, |
don't like it any better than he does,
ana here Is where it ends. am not a
! doctor. | am detective sergeant
from headquarters. You saw me at
the Thirty'eighth street house this aft
ernoon. My name is Elmendorf."
Brenda exhibited surprise but no re-
sentiment, merely saying that the de-.
tectlVe's presence was doubtless neces-
sary for reasons unknown to her.
81 am as anxious as any one can
be-" she said, ito have justice done
IN this deplorable affair. Do you think
| You can find out who committed tins
crime, Mr.. Elmendorft Do you sus,
poet any oneT
u haven't got any authority TO find
out anything or suspect anybody" re-
/ piled Elmendorf, in a tone which indi-
Gated that this familiar situation was
not agreeable In the present instance.
Il go where am sent and then I make
q reDOrt. What bpcomea of tho In 20 r.