Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-07-21

~. for what purpose did you go out last
night. and where did you go?"
Drysdale sprang to his feet, his face red
with anger.
why. you internal busy body!' he cried.
IT'S none of your business
Ten you refuse to answer"
II most certainly do, and I think you'd
better go back to Babylon"
II shall go back In due time, Mr.. Drys-
dale" retorted the coroner in a cool voice,
holding up his hand. "Perhaps you have.
as yet. not heard of tie murder committed
here last night and of tie ROBBERY which ac-
companied it?''
Drysdale paled suddenly. his hands were
MURDER he repeated blankly Rob
bery!"
Precisely. Graham tie gardener was
murdered last night and Mrs. Delroy's pearl
necklace stolen. You were tie only person
! who left tie house Your revolver was
found beside him. tbs button. torn from
your coat. was found In his hand. l hope
you viii now perceive tie wisdom of giving
us tetafled account of your movements
while you were away from tie house.
Drysdale had listened with a growing pal
Tor. When the coroner finished, he was
fairly lived and he passed his hand help
lessly before his eyes. But he did not
speak.
"Wen?" asked Heffelbower lmpatiently,
after a moment.
Drysdale took down his hand and steadied
himself against the back of his chair.
II have nothing to say he murmured,
hoarsely.
The coroner stared in establishment.
You don't mean"
II mean that l have nothing to say" re-
peated Drysdale this time in firmer tone.
"Oh, come Jack burst out Delroy,
don't be obstinate. Tell where you
Graham"
Thank you, Dickie" and Drysdale
looked at him gratefully. 81 didn't do tt:
I'm ready to swear that by any oath you
nj DIT 49, fall hnf,,
where 1 was
Don't let any little secret stand in the
way protested Delroy. This isn't the
time
Il can't tell" repeated Drysdale. firmly.
DO you persist in tat decsion?" asked
the coroner sharply.
II certainly do
"Ten,'' said Heffelbower. rising In his
turn, ''in tie name of tie law, l shall haf
to arrest you Please finish your dress
Ing"
Every we'll" returned Drysdale, COM
posedy, and set about his toilet, while Del
roy watched him in a kind of daZed per-
plexity. 1t took but few moments I'm
ready he said.
jack cried Delroy again, but the other
stopped him with a gesture.
Don't worry Dicke," he said. 81 didn't
do it, They can't convict me. I'm not in
the least afraid
Heffelbower took the key from the door
and transferred it to the outside.
at will hat to be searched"
Delroy hooded his consent and the little
procession passed out into the hall.
Suddenly from the farther end came the
swish of skirts and Grace Croydon APP
peared radiant as the new day. She paused
in establishment as she saw the group, then
she came forward. He eyes went anxiously
from face to face.
What is it, Richard?" she asked. What
has happened?'
Delroy laughed a mirthless laugh.
Enough and to spare he answered
They're arresting Jack, here, for muir
der"
For MURDER she breathed, and caught
at the balustrade oh, surely you're joll-
ingi'
Jack seems to think it's joke he re-
torted bitterly.
'Oh, why did you kill him. she cried.
turning upon her lover why did you not
waltz
XIII him. echoed Delroy. But he didn't t.
Grace! How can you think such thing?
He could clear himself by telling where he
was last night, and he refuses to do it.
Maybe he'll tell you"
She turned her searching eyes to her low
er's face.
Where We're you last night, Jack?' she
asked. you'll tell me, won't your
Tell your he sneered. his eyes blazing
with savage anger. '"Where was I? You
ask me that?"
And with a gesture of fierce contempt he
went on down the stair.
ITO be continued tomorrow