Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1902-03-20


appreciate my feeling
IL was thinking especially about
your business" said Neale. I'm told
your firm is in the last ditch, and that
your engagement to Duncan Maclane's
daughter is about all that holds you
up. That's what my man told me just
now"
"He told you lie," said Alden, but
with the same monotonous tone. as IL
his utterance was mechanical and his
mind upon another matter. "My affairs
were never before so prosperous as
they are today"
THAT won't DO" responded the cap
tain. II have positive proof
"You know nothing about It." said
Alden. 81 have other interests than
those Of my firm"
What other interests"
81 decline to answer"
"Whcre did you 20 when you left
your office after sending that noteT'
81 will not tell you
"Why notT queried the captain n
his most persuasive tone. "Oh, per
tlemen. They'll step into the hall or
out on to the balcony, I've no doubt
ut will make no difference replied
Alden.
What you say will be confidential
VI course"
Captain Neale," said Alden, this is
business secret that is worth a good
lea of money. If | should tell it 10
my man. he could force payment for
his silence"
You don't mean to say that I'd do 9
thing like that" demanded Neae.
u have no wish to offend" said AL
den. but you want the truth, and you
Shall have it. Your reputation. like
that Of many another man high up in
the department, Is bad-as bad as It
can be. Remembering that this busl-
ness matter involves others than my
self. won't trust you with a hint Of it.
That Is my last word on that subject"
Neales face turned red and white in
strange. irregular spots.
NOW hear a word from me-" he
said. "rve been looking you up. You
are ruined man You were engaged
to this girl, and it was all that saved
you. But you couldn't be honest even
with her You made love to this Elsie
Miller and you neglected Miss Mac
lane, and she wouldn't stand for it.
But by that time you were SO involved
with Miss Miller that you couldn't
break away. So what did you do?
Why, you wrote her a note telling a
airy story about a lot of money, know
ng that the note would be found and
would make the case look like robbery.
you told her how busy you We're. and
i've minutes afterward you quit work
md came up town. You had key to
his house; you came here
do you mean 10 accuse me Of this?'
The words came from between AL
icn's teeth, and he STROBE toward Neale,
who put the table between them and
drew his revolver.
"Wallace"' he called.
A policeman entered from the hall
THAT man is under arrest" said
Neale Take him in
This is monstrous." said Alden, but
he spoke coolly. You shall answer
for it,
well talk about that later" re-
joined the captain. You go with that
man"
Brenda crossed the room quickly and
took Aidens hand.
II Will do everything that l can Tor
OBJ u for bnt.
you're coming along, too" said
Neale. no; I'll stand by what I said.
Go home"
Alden opened his mouth to speak and
then closed it again. He turned and
went out of the room with the police
man, Brenda following Immediately
and Or. Blair moment later. Elmen-
dorf and Neale remained.
The captain dropped into chair.
II don't know as | done right" he
said
Elmendorf walked across the room
and looked at a picture on the wall be-
tween the windows. 1t was a photo
graphic copy of Neierstein's painting
Of "Tantalus." The unfortunate king
who divulged the secrets of Zeus was
represented chained to the rock starry
ing while the fruit laden bOughs waved
just beyond his reach. 1t was pain
full picture, quite out of keeping with
all else in the room. and Elmendorf re-
garded 1t curiously. a few lines, tell
ing the legend. were printed below.
| and the detective read them.
i