Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1902-04-03


he said. II did not know just where
to find a florist hereabout. They are
all covered up, you see. 1t is an even
ing that might wither flower with
one breath"
He passed the bouquet somewhat
awk wardly across the big table to
Brenda. who in the act of receiving 1t
was so startled by the sudden appear
ance Of the ward detective, Barnes,
upon the threshold that she let the
flowers fall.
With due allowance for its general
lack of intelligence it may be said that
the countenance Of Barnes was full OF
meaning The man looked self as
sertive, confident and pleased.
81 beg your pardon" said he. "Who
is in charge here?"
81 am for the moment" replied Ken
dali.
Barnes hesitated. looking sidewise at
Alden. Then his glance shifted to the
bouquet upon the table and rebounded
in the direction of the doctor.
I'D like to have a word with you,"
he said.
Speak up" said Kendall, "What is
It"
'Those flowers are for the Miller girl.
of course" said Barnes. well. you'd
better take a look at 'em before you
send 'em in. Oh. they're all right,
guess. but you can't be too careful"
What do you mean" demanded
Kendall.
Barnes pointed finger at Alden.
THAT man put something into them"
he said. Il saw him do it. | don't
know what 1t was. but there's drugs
that, If you smell of them, why, it's
| your finish"
Kendall was too much surprised TO
speak. Alden took a hasty step toward
Barnes and collided with Elmendorf,
who courteously begged his pardon
Meanwhile Brenda picked up the bou-
quet from the table. and as they all
turned toward her she opened the pa.
per over the violetS and pressed them
against her lips.
They are very fragrant" she said.
"That's all right" returned Barnes
doggedly, "but he put something in
there. What was itT'
This bit of paper. ! suppose" eeid
Brenda. taking it in her fingers your
message. ClarenceI"
81 think somebody ought to read It,"
said Barnes, looking at Elmpndorf out
Of the corner OF his eyes
Alden thrust Elmendorf aside as II
he hau been paper dummy and then
checked himself. Barnes was already
IN the hall.
81 can have no quarrel with this crea.
ture." said Alden. las to my mes
sage. | appeal to DR.. Kendall"
This is more than absurd" reJoined
the doctor. Miss Maclane. whenever
you are ready
AS Brenda stepped forward the bit
Of paper slipped out from among the
flowers and fell TO the floor Elmen-
durf picked it up.
81 hope you won't misunderstood
me-" be gaid. perhaps | see farther
ahead than you do. If WAS In Mr..
Alden's place, I'd let somebody read
.hs."
He gave the message to Brenda, who
glancrd st Alden as she took it. He
raised his hand in Il gesture OF mega
! ton.
Now, look here, all of YOU" exclaim.
ed Barnes. Here's this girl in the
and he pointed with his thumb in the
supposed direction of Elsies room
who's hiding what she knows. | don't
say it's in this mans interest, but it's
in somebody's interest; that's sure
She wouldn't be the first woman that's
had the nerve TO get the knife and say
nothing ! don't accuse anybody, es-
pecially not this man, for amt got "A
hing against him. Hes all right so
far as know But what say is that
he girl ought not to be getting mes
ages on the quiet"
Alden's face was white as paper, and
eyes were aire. 1t Ia probable tina
cry bone in Barnes body ached wit,
| .ticlpatlon, but he had been klckp
often in the way Of business to Il
ore the actual contact
I've stood all of this that my sy
. can absorb said Kendall with
| iousaess that scarcely fitted VII