Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-12-02

all appearance. for his room Would he
notice them as he went by? 1t did not
seem likely. Instinctively they had step
ped to one side. and Mr.. Ransoms face
was in the shadow. To both it had seemed
not to accost him while he was in this
mood. They would him later
But this was not to be. Some instinct
made him turn. and Mr. Ransom, recog-
nizing his opportunity, stepped forward
and addressed him by the name under
which he had introduced himself at the
reception: that of his wifes family, Hazen.
The effect was startling. Instead of In
creasing his anger. as the detective had
naturally expected. it appeared to have the
contrary effect. for every vestige of pas
sion Immediately disappeared from his race,
| leaving only its natural Disagreement to
plead against him. He approached them,
and Ransom at least. was conscious OF a
revulSion of feeling in his favor, there was
such restraint and yet such undoubted pow
| er in his strange and peculiar personality
you know me?' said he darting a keen
| and comprehensive look from one to the
other.
eve should like few words with you.
ventured Gerridge. This gentleman thinks
you can give him very valuable informa-
ton about person he is greatly interested
in"
He is mistaken" The words came quick
| and decisive in a not unmelodious voice. Il
am stranger in New York; stranger in
this country. 1 have few. if any, acquaint-
| ances."
| you have one"
1t was now Mr.. Ransoms turn.
| "A man with no acquaintance does not
| attend weddings; certainly not wedding re-
ceptionS. L have seen you at one, my own
| Do you not recognize me, Mr.. HaZen?"
| twitch of surprise. not even Ransom
| could call 1t alarm, drew his mouth still
| further toward his ear; but his manner
| hardly altered and it was in the same affa-
| BILE tone that he replied:
| You must pardon my short-sightedness.
1 did not recognize you, Mr.. Ransom"
| Did not want to-, muttered Gerridge,
satisfied in his own mind that this man was
| only deferred by his marked and unmistak-
| able physiognomy from denying the ac-
| quaintanceship just advanced
| ''Your congratulations did not produce the
desired effect continued Mr. Ransom. My
| happiness was short lived. Perhaps you
| knew its uncertain tenure when you wished
me joy. l remember that your tone lacked
| sincerity"
| 1t was a direct attack. Whether a wise
one or not remained to be seen. Gerrdge
| watched the unfolding drama with inter-
| est.
81 have reason to think proceeded Mr.
| Ransom, that the unhappy termination Of
| that days feIicities was in a measure due
| to you. You seem to know my bride very
well; much too well for her happiness or
| mine"
I'VE will argue that question in my
room,'' was the unmoved reply. The open
hall is quite unsuited to conversation of
this nature. Now" said he, turning upon
them when they were in the privacy of his
small but not uncomfortable apartment,
you will be kind enough to repeat what
you just said l wish to thoroughly UNDER
stand YOU
You have the right returned Mr.. Ran
som. controlling himself under the detec
tive's eye. Il said that your presence at this
wedding seemed to disturb my wife, which
fact, considering the after occurrences of
the day, strikes me important enough
for discussion. Are you willing to discuss it
affably and fairly?'
May I ask who your companion isl" in
quired the other, with a slight inclination
towards Gerrdge.
"a friend, DIE who is in my confidence"
''Then l will answer you without any fur
Their hesitation My presence may have dis
| turbed your wife, it very likely did. but I
blame for the bad effects of an unfortunate
accident"
ooh, 1 don't mean that Mr. Ransom
fastened to protest. The cause of her
very evident agitation was not personal.
1t had deeper root than that. 1t led, or
so 1 believe, to her flight from a love she
cherished. at moment when our mutual
life seemed about to begin
The impassive, I might almost say set
features of this man of violent passions,
but remarkable self-restraint failed to re-
lax or give any token of the feelings with
which he listened to this attack.
Then the news given of your wife in the
papers tonight is false his quiet re-
tort ut processes to give a distinct, if
somewhat fantastic, reason for her flight.
A reason totally different from the one
you suggest" .
"a reason you don't believe imp
Certainly not. 1t is too bizarre"
Il share your incredulty. That is why