Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1902-02-20

She didn't ring the bell nor make any
more noise than she could help. No
body let her In. so far as we can learn,
and we've covered the ground pretty
thoroughly
Perhaps she didn't come in at all"
said Brenda. "She may only have as
cended the steps and then, finding
that this was not the house that she
had supposed it to be-
"Or changing her mind for any rea-
son." the captain continued. "Quite
right. see your point. But the wo-
man wore heavy veil; she seemed to
be somewhat excited, and she hurried
away eastward think you said
eastward. DR.. Blair"
Toward Broadway" responded the
physician. with embarrassment.
Its Il pity you didn't notice her
more particularly" said the captain.
I'D give Il dollar or two for her de-
scription just now"
You can't get it from me-" replied
DR.. Blair. There was no reason why
should pay any particular attention
to her. She was n well dressed, styl-
ISL ioOhilS youHS NOildil, anu llul
all ! know about her,"
Brenda looked at him steadily for
some seconds.
"Dr l;lair" said she. what did this
iilicer ask you on the steps just be-
l1re | came in:"
The doctor blushed and glanced un-
Easily ut the captain.
Il asked him If he could pick that
woman out of crowd" said the cap
tain. land he told me that he didn't
know: he couldn't be sure"
Il fancled that it might have been
something of the Sort" rejoined
Brenda And now. Captain
She paused. and the officer supplied
the name.
Captain Neale. at your service"
said he. with bow.
THANK you. And now, Captain
Neale | wish you would get the mes
sage from the hospital for which you
are waiting as quickly as you can, for
am impatient to go there"
I'm expecting it any minute" he re-
piled. "Ah. perhaps this is it."
A tall young man Of German type
Of countenance, with wide blue eyes,
entered the room and stood by the
door, as If he had no errand, but had
simply Ieen impelled by a gentle, su-
perior force. There was silence for
half n minute. Then the captain ad
vanced to the young man and led him
by the arm into the vestibule.
what are you here for, Elmen-
dorf?' he demanded in a low voice.
Headquarters don't need to mix up
In this case. | caE look out for It."
"Orders, replied Elmendorf. That's
all | know. The chief wants re-
port"
"Well, he'll get one, won't he?"
asked the captain. Now, see here;
don't take a step till say SO. I know
what I'm about"
Elmendorf strolled into the room and
sat down in large chair, with sigh.
Then, perceiving that Brenda was
standing, he rose hastily, very much
to the young lady's surprise.
"By the way" said the captain,
"while we're waiting | want to ask
you about Mr.. Alden. We've sent word
to his office, but he isn't there. They
don't know where he's gone. You knew
him quite well, didn't your | noticed
how quick you recognized his hand
writing"
"Yes," said Brenda. 81 knew him
quite we'll"
"And you knew Miss MillerT
IL never saw her." replied Brenda
after moments hesitation.
"Why, Miss Williams" exclaimed
Neale, with a grotesque attempt to
speak softly, Il thought you said you
were friend Of hersv'
81 hardly knew what to say to the
policemen ut the door," replied Brenda
calmly. 81 was very anxious to get In.
And let me add that / am at present
very anxious to get OUT
"Just one minute" said the captain.
you knew Mr.. Alden. Now, did you
happen to know OF any young woman
that he was particularly sweet onT
81 have heard" replied Brenda slow
ly, that he was at one time engaged
to girl who had n great deal of money |
and some social standing. but under
stand that that has been broken off. 1t
can have no possible bearing upon this
crime. which was plainly the work OF
a thief"
You're thinking of the money" said |
Neale, caressing his projecting chin |
with a great, square hand. "the money |
Alden Is alleged to have put into the |
letter. 1t can't be found. and that's n
fact"
as alleged to have put into the let |
terp exclaimed Brenda. "Why, ho |
says so himself"
Yes" responded the captain, that's |
what he says"
An interval OF silence followed. Bren- |
da was leaning forward, her right hand |
resting on the table. her eyes intent |
upon the officers face. They were |
gray eyes ordinarily, and their express |
sion spoke OF the cultivated self re- |
straint by which the natural emotions
are held In check. On this occasion, |
however, they seemed to be OF dark |
blue and TO emit light which even |
DIR. Blair, who saw the lady In profile. |
did not fall to perceive.
fro NE Continued
A eurlnu. D.I., ~ Qnuth