Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1902-02-27

He took ttDo steps foTtDGrd and then
halted.
not always hold. If the lock has not
been repaired. there may be an expla-
nation Of some mysterious points in
this case"
Ii there had been an eye upon De-
tective Elmendorf at this moment, II
would have noted that he was much
interested, but no one was looking at
him. He himself was observing Bren-
da closely.
Alden had begun to pace the door,
his hand upon his forehead.
II can't stay here any longer" he
said suddenly. II must see Elsie. l
must know Jacki How came you
hereT
The question was addressed to q
young man who entered with Captain
Neale. He was In his normal state
rather handsome fellow. with the OK
eyes that the Greeks admired (for wo-
mem and broad forehead above them,
but In this moment his face was dis
torted with excitement and striped
with persplration that trickled from
his forehead. The total effect was
somewhat grotesque. especially be-
cause the man was inclined to fatness
and was q trife conspicuous In the
matter Of attire.
"This is dreadful, dreadfulp he cried.
"I can't believe It."
You're Mr.. Robinson, who carried
the note to Miss Miller" said Neale.
That's why / sent q man to your
house."
YES" said Robinson, turning to AL.
den. 81 didn't 60 back to the office Inn
mediately. ! went over to the place
where live. I was just going down
town again when q policeman met me
at the door,"
"Did you know what was in that
noteT asked Neale.
81 knew there was money" was the
reply. "but / didn't know how much.
II was sealed when Mr.. Alden gave It
to me. He said there was money In II.
That was why I brought II instead Of
giving II to o messenger boy"
"what happened herer' the captain
asked.
Nothing" answered Robinson. II
gave the note to Elsie"-
ITO whomT said the captain.
ITO Miss Miller; that 10 what said.
I gave the note to Miss Miller. and she
opened 1t by the window. I didn't see
any money. I wasn't In the room ten
seconds-merely long enough to ask II
there was any answer. and she said no.
Then I went away"
Meet anybodyT
1.-THE servant who let me In was pass
ing through the hall as went out"
That's important" said the captain.
"It fixes you all right The servant
stopped at Miss Miller's door. knocked,
asked q question and got m answer.
Then she went along down stairs"
Fixes mer gasped Robinson. els
anybody crazy enough to think i did
this?"
NO." said the captain. you're out
Of II. And now. Mr.. Alden. let me tell
you that I've just had report from the
hospital. The girl is alive. and the doc
tors think she has a fair chance"
what does she sayT exclaimed Rob
inson.
"She hasn't said anything yet" re-
piled the captain. "And now let's get
on with our little affairs here. I guess
you can't help US any. Mr.. Robinson.
no IL you'll just take seat In the par
lor'- He waited till the young man
had passed out Of the room. "Now.
Miss Maclane. I'd like to know little
more about you II It's perfectly agree
able"
"T am the daughter Of Duncan Mac
lane." said Brenda.
At the mention Of this wealthy and
widely known man Neale softly Wills
tied.
"It amt possible" he said. "that you
are the young lady with a lot OF money
and a high social position that you
mentioned awhile ago as being engag-
ed to our friend hereT
81 am the woman" replied Brenda.
"And the engagements been broken
OFT WhenT
"Captain"- began Alden. but the or
ficer raised his hand.
"a bargains bargain" he said Il
was to have the truth. When was the
engagement broken orr
"Thls afternoon" answered Brenda
firmly. II went down to Mr.. Alden's
ONCE ut half past /. had expected to
see him last evening. butt
He cidn't come"
Brenda Inclined her head.
ST went to his Office" she said, "and
in the conversation between us there
l released him from his engagement"
THAT must have been a hard blow
TOR you. Mr.. Alden" said the captain.
"what do you meanT demanded
Alden. 'If you have the delicacy to
appreciate my feeling
T was thinking especially about
your business" said Neals. I'm told
your firm is In the last ditch. and that
, -o.,. a,<anomanf 10 Duncan MaclanA,a