New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-10-22
Author of "A
Mysterious Disappearance
Copyright, 1905, by Edward J. Clode-
Copyright in Great Britain


some one who might have motive in taking the
old mans life" went his mother relentlessly.
"Brading the detective seems to suspect Edith
Holt at present. But he is a dangerously shrewd
man and may look in another direction at any
moment.
Warren turned haggard eyes on his mother. He
was almost sober again 81 must go and get the
books now, he said, as if repeating a lesson. Il
must go and get them now"
You must go now" repeated Mrs. Warren
firmly. Brading is the person most to be feared
and he has just driven to the village If meet him
on my way | will detan him long possible.
Be careful; but for nv sake as we'll your
make a bold effort, for you may never have another
chance"
She kissed him tenderly, and then, if ashamed
of her emotion walked away, her gray head erect
her step unfaterng.
Warren looked after her irresolute1y Then he
experienced an overwhelming impulse to act
Something must be done. He glanced nervously
at the wan shadows of the fading day and turned
back mechanically toward the Hall
Il must get them now" he muttered, half I'm
compromising
The difficulty of the task before him such
he did not realize in his agitated, drinkdazed con-
dition Hitherto Angler had been busly engaged
in preparing for the inquest and in going through
Lord Arnclitfes various papers; but, as Mrs Warren
had said he might turn his attention to the books
at any moment. Worst of all, there was the danger
that he might send the forged pass-book to the
bankers at AlnwicL and that, of course, would
mean irrctrievable calamity. Since, too Brading
had taken up his abode at the Hail, there seemed
to be a relentless vigilance that, appearing to be
obiectless, was vet al-embraCing. Warren bitterly
regretted the ti,nidity that had sent him rushing
ernptv-handed from the study at the sound OF the
creaking stair that night of Lord Arnchfes death
The discriminating books could then have been had
for the taking; now would be miracle he accom-
plished his purpose IN time.
Oddly enough this bull-headed young had
talent for figures Had he directed his bookkeeping
abilities into legitimate channels he would have
been a model accountant. The business between
Lord Arncliffe and his ordinary bankers had almost
invariably been conducted by the agent Lord
Arnclffes account was large that there had been
little danger of an unusual item drawing att ntlon
TO the irregularities. Moreover, Warren had made
a point of always getting and delivering the pass
book personally. Except when 1t was at the bank
the genuine pass-book never left his possession for
a moment while the forged one had always been
filed in with the utmost care and attention to
detail. y.
Now as he neared the Hall his dazed mind tried
to formulate some definite plan of campaign His
only hope apparently, to invegle the solicitor
ont of the room if only for a single moment. Yet
to accomplish this without laying himself open to
suspicion appeared to be impossible But he must
oct the books now! Tomorrow might be too
late.
The library was on the ground floor, and Warren
saw with a chill of apprehension, that there was
= dim light within the room. He knew that light
we'll 1t came from a shaded desk-lamP- lie
could already picture the old solicitor Por1ng over
.L,, C,,yht he