Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-07-31
THE MARATHON MYSTERY.
BY BURTON E. STEVENSON.
Copyright. 1904. by Henry Hol. 4 Coy
CHAPTER III.
Godfrey and 7 Are ode Trop."

Godfrey and I Are ode Trop."
Heffelbower insisted that we join him IN
an appetizer: he had evidently jumped 10
the conclusion that Godfrey was famous
New York detective, and he gazed at MIN
with respect and a little awe. He wanteo
to discuss again all the details of the tras-
edy. but we got rid of him, after while,
and went in to dinner. Then we starteo
toward the Jail for final talk with Drys-
dale. Another jailer had come on duty,
but he made no difficulty about admitting
u.s.
'Well?" asked the prisoner. as soon as
we were alone.
oh" said Godfrey. regarding him with
a gOod-humored smile, you won't be elec-
trocuted this time-though l must say you
deserve it!'
What" cried Drysdale. .coloring sud
denly. You don't believe"
THAT you killed Graham? Oh, no; but
you've made an unmitigated ass of your
self, my friend. Did you have pleasant
time, Monday night, kicking your heels py
the hour together. out at the pergola! -,
was with anger.
ooh, SO she told you, did she?' he asked
between his teeth Il dare say you had
good laugh together over it!''
Jack" said Godfrey calmly, Il protest
you are becoming more and more asinine!
Haven't you sense enough to see that that
note-by the way, how was it delivered to
you?"
came back from New York Monday even
ing. What are you driving at, Godfrey?
II you've discovered anything, for God
sake. tell me straight out!'
i've discovered unusually large con-
signment of humble pie awaiting your con-
sumption. You don't deserve a magnificent
girl like that, Jack swear you don't
Do you remember your last words to herr
Yes" answered Drysdale, with a sud-
den flushing of the cheeks. "And she de-
served them. She got me out of the house
and spent the evening with Tremaine. 1t
was an indirect way of telling me that she
Godfrey looked at him pityingly.
Really, Jack" he said, I'm half in
clined to think the coroners right in his
theory, after ALL"
What Is his theory"
He thinks you're crazy"
Drysdale laughed a little mirthless laugh
Perhaps he's right he said
You'll be sure of it in a few minutes
It's inconceivabe that any man in his right
mind should suspect a girl like Miss Croy-
don of sucn a thing.
Drysdale turned to him with eyes bright
with emotion.
your fun; youv tormented me long enough
Do you mean that Miss Croydon didn't
write the note?"
II mean just that"
''Then who did?"
''Tremaine!'
The word brought Drysdale to his feet
like thunder-clap.
DO you mean he demanded, gripping
his hands tight behind him, that Tremane
wrote the note and placed it in my room
in order to get me out Of the house?'
II do.
And that Miss Croydon knew nothing
about it?'
Not a thing-she was waiting for you In
the house. She thought you'd deliberately
broken an appointment you'd made with
her.
Ia1a y
struck himself a savage blow In the chest:
Good God!' he groaned. What fool.
What perfect. muckle-headed fool!
Go on, laughed Godfrey. DO it again
-sackcloth and ashes! You deserve it ALL
Deserve it! Do you think she'll ever
forgive me?''
Il shouldn't If I were in her place." God
frey assured him. I'D think myself well
rid of you. l shouldn't want to marry an
IDIOT
Drysdale cursed dismally to himself
STILL" Godfrey added there's no ac-
counting for the whims of women-theres
this. you'll come nearer approaching her
as she deserves"
"Apprecating her
You don't seem to have any curiosity as
to how were going to that precious
neck OF yours" Godfrey observed
"Oh, d my neck! What do I care,
Godfrey, I've got 10 see her right away
I've got to get down on my knees-crawl
in the dust
That's itr' nodded Godfrey approvingly.
you've caught the idea. You ought 10 feel
like insect-a particularly small one.
But I hardly believe the jailer will release
you your own recognizance Maybe. to-
morrow after the inquest, if everything
goes we'll
ooh, tomorrow be hanged. I've got to
see her right away, Jim! Isn't there any
Way?'
He was pacing furiously up and down the
cell. biting his nails, tearing his hair.
Could Tremaine have seen him, then, he
might have modified his estimate of him.
There's no way" said Godfrey, unless
Miss Croydon herself should commit the
inconceivable folly-hello who's that?
The outer door had been flung crashing
back; there came rush of feet down the
corridor, swish of skirts
'Gracer
1t was Drysdalcs voice and he stood
there like a man struck suddenly to stone.
And she? l turned a little giddy as l
looked at her-at the shining eyes-at the
uuivering smiling lips
Godfrey had sprung instantly to his feet.
Come Lester he said, In voice very
gentle as the jailer opened the cell door.
I'VE must catch our train: we've business in
New York"
Perhaps it was only my fancy that his
step was not wholly steady as he went be-
fore me down the corridor.