The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1902-02-20

DIG udsu sdlu any tuIuS yei, Ic
piled the captain. "And now let's gel
on with our little affairs here. guest
you can't help us any, Mr.. Robinson
so IL you'll just take seat in the par
LORI 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"
II am the daughter Of Duncan Mac.
lane" said Brenda.
At the mention Of this wealthy and
widely known man Neale softly whis-
tied.
ut amt possible" lie said, chat you
are the young lady with lot Of money
and a high social position that you
mentioned awhile ago as being engag-
ed to our friend here:"
II am the woman" replied Brenda.
"And the engagements been broken
off? When?"
"Captain"- began Alden, but the of.
fcer raised bis hand.
"a bargains bargain" he said. Il
was to have the truth. When was the
engagement broken OFF,?
"This afternoon" answered Brenda
firmly. II went down to Mr.. Aldens
office at half past l. l had expected to
see him last evening, but
HE didn't Gomez"
Brenda inclined her head.
II went to his Office" she said. land
In the conversation between us there
released him from his engagement"
'That must have been hard blow
for you, Mr.. Alden" said the captain.
"What do you mean" demanded
Alden. Tf you have the delicacy to
appreciate my feeling
II 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"
"IIe told you lie." said Alden, but
with the same monotonous tone. as If
his utterance was mechanical and his
mind upon another matter. "My affairs
were never before SO prosperous as
they are today"
"Tbat won't do" responded the cap
tain. II have positive proof
"You know nothing about It," said
Alden. Il have other interests than
those of my firm"
what other Interests:'
81 decline to answer"
where did you go when you left
your Office after sending that note"
II will not tell YOU"
"Why not" quericd the captain in
his most persuasive tone. ION. per-
haps you don't know these other gen
tlcmen. They'll step into the hall or
ont on to the balcony, I've no doubt"
ut will make no difference replied
Alden.
"What you say will be confidential,
of course"
Captain Neale." said Alden, 'this Is
business secret that is worth good
deal of money. II should tell 1t to
any man. lie could force payment for
his silence"
"You don't mean TO say that I'd do Il
thing like that" demanded Ncale.
II 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 maa high up In
the department. is bad--as bad as it
can be. Remembering that this bust.
ness matter involves others than my
self. won't trust you with hint of it.
That Is my last word on that subject"
Ncale's face turned rcd and white in
strange, irregular spots.
"Now hear word from me-" he
said "Ive been looking you up. You
are n 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 1t.
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
fairy story about lot of money. know
ing that the note would be found and
would make the ease look like robbery.
You told her how busy you were, and
five minutes aftrrward you quit work
md came up town. You had key to
this house; you came here
ado you mean to accuse me Of this?'
The words came from between Al
den's teeth and he strobe toward Nraln,
who put the table between them and
drew his revolver.
"Walace!' he called.
A policeman entered from the hall
'That man is under arrest" said
Nealc. Take him in"
"rhis is monstrous.' said Alden, but
he spoke coolly. You shall answer
for It,"
well talk about that later" re-
Joined the captain. You 60 with that
man."
Brenda crossed the room quickly and &
took Alden's hand.
II will do everything that l can for
you," she said, "and for her. c
you're coming along too" said /