The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1906-01-28

can you explain your presence, Mr..
Appleton" asked the detective. kindly.
He did not look a criminal. for he
stood very straight and square. regard
ing the three Of Us with an amused
smile.
"of course. had no right to be
here" he said Though why I should
find a detective waiting TO arrest me
for bldckmail, or why Mr.. Coran
should spring upon my back and roll
me over, cannot imagine"
This is much as l expected" snarl-
ed his accuser. "E1rontery and i'm
pudenee are ever the associates Of
crime Inspector, you VIII oblige
me by producing the handouts"
Il should like a word in private.
Mr.. Coran."
They walked of together, leaving
me alone with ~. Thomas Appleton,
who offered cigarette.
Has there besn an epidemic OF
funacy in the neighborhood?'' he in
quired. politely.
No. I said, laughing in spite Of
myself. But how. In heavens NAME
do you explain your visit 10 the sum
mer house at this hour OF the night?"
II am afraid / must decline TO an
swer you" he SAID, and quietly turn
ed the subject.
Coran returned with a face Of vim
dictive indecision. Under his veil OF
austerity there had smouldered
dangerous temper, which was close
upon bursting into flame. But. after
all. he had excuse enough. Heaven
alone knew what be ked ambition,
what treacherous insults, he had come
to associate with this young man.
The same passions actuate humanity
whether they view the world from
one end OF the telescope or the other.
Il have decided TO wfiys your ar
rest for the present" he growled.
1T would certainly create a great
scandal in Brendon," said Appleton.
firmly.
You count on that. co you?" cried
the elder man You think you have
a hold upon me, that I am afraid OF
you. Take care, take care"
You choose to be mysterious, Mr..
Corsn. I have no hold upon you.
but I should think twice If I were
you before arresting an innocent
man"
Innocent! What were you doing
here?"
That is my business"
Coran turned away, wringing his
hands together IL his odd manner
when greatly excited.
Go" he snarIec over his shoulder.
Go before I straLgle you
AZ ] dropped off TO sleep half an
hour later I was s'hl wondering why
Grey had refused "a bed, remaining FOR
the night in the garden. Could he eX-
pect more visits TO the summer house?
Why had your appleton come sneak
ing up at so late an hour II he were
not guilty? The problem that had
seemed so simple WaS changed into
maze Of strange complications. l was
too sleepy TO trace them farther.
I was awakened by touch on my
shoulder. 1t was Coran who stood
by my bedside,
we breakfast in half an hour, he
said. uneasily.
Il viii be punctual-'
Forgive nv Importantly. MI
Phillips; but promise ME that you VIII
ne careful before Miss Rebecca. she
is so very acute. I never knew a
woman with a keener instinct for
scandal And, as a f1theT, l cannot
forget the future OF my poor girls
II she knew the truth she would not
leave them a penny; also. her heart Is
affected"
Il am sorry 10 hear H.
THANK YOU. II is very necessary
that YOU should be discreet"
He stalked out Of the room ana leit
me- wondering at him with an amused
oynicism.
started for London with my host
nv the 900 trata- To avoid suspicion
GREY accompanied US TO the stauoh' :
hut there he left US. He had. he said
work 20 DO III the town
Coran was cheerful with the limited
cbeerfulness that nature allowed him
Doubtless he felt that he had his en-
envy In his power. He was very TAXA
tive concerning his final address which
he had advertised to deliver that even
ing at O'Clock. It was TO be the
compIetion. the coping stone to his
campsign. and was calculated 10 in
sure his election next day. I expressed
regret that / should not be privileged
TO hear il.
lunched at my club, and. shortly
after 8. returned to my rooms. There,
in my easiest chair, reading an even
ing paper. who should / discover but
Inspector Grey
Hello. i Sdlu. ululi SAPDoN
you back so soon"
This is a very comfortable chair OF
yours. Mr. Phillips" he smiled 4 was
glad of a rest"
And how goes BrendonF
so well that I'm going TO take you
down there by the 4:lG train
l tried to draw his discoveries out
OF him. but he would tell me nothing.
..Somethins was going to happen which
might interest me If / came along
;hat was the beginning and end of his
news. It was sufficient to make me
promise to join him. however. as he
very we'll knew
The local was just steaning into the
station when a fat. red-faced man
came painting out OF the booking Office.
Grey gave my arm a squeeze as he
passed.
That is Horledge. the chief sup
porter Of Corans opponent in tomor-
rows election" he whispered.
$50 you have been making some new
friends since I saw you last?'
zone or two" he said. stepping into
a carriage.
When we arrived at Brendon. the in
spector led me up to an inn in the
center OF the town. 1t was a pleas
ant old "a shinnsd plaaa with black