The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1907-07-14
THE SQUIRE'S ORDEAL 81 OWN

She rose and moved gracefully toward the door,
as steps came along the passage. Then she
laughed
me-" And she stepped quickly behind a heavy
curtain into the window recess The squire frowned
for a moment, but gradually smiled. There was
something in this feminine weakness which pleased
him. weakness in woman always pleases the
man who loves her After all, he thought. Estelle
was to be trusted 1t did not matter If she heard
Good evening" he greeted the men; you are
travelling late"
I'VE have to go when we are sent SIR" said
the taller man, who evidently in charge I'VE
left London this morning. and have been travel
wheel off, and we've had hours walk.
the party should get wind of it, and make off,
No the squire agreed; you never know
Yes. sir; from Scotland Yard. I Detective
Inpector Bramhal and this is Sergeant Collins
Here my credentials
The squire glanced at the paper under lamp,
and handed it back
he promised. IF you will call here the way
back groom will accompany you to the station:
gave instructions for the be got ready and
a meal prepared for the men meanwhile.
rs IL a serious natter ne asked, when the
servant had gone.
"A matter of years. should say" the In
spector told him; ''if they don't find 1t murder.
You see they We're regular gang or swlndters
forgery all that sort of thing. detective
got their track in Paris, but they decoyed him.
The doctors think that they only drug
him while they got away. Anyhow, he died.
He a nice chap the second man declared,
land getting in the profession. I've often
worked with him. 1t was murder, If you ask me,
and you've traced them to Merrington?" said
the squire 'Umph! 1 thought l knew everyone
in that quiet village
This is only one of them. sir the inspector
stated We've got the others"
What is his manner"
.'It ISN'T him It's .her.' Regular fash party,
and good-ooking they make them. You might
think she lady to look at. or to speak to.
She was the decoy duck, to speak. Well,
there's always a in everything, dore-
say you know, sr.
YES" said the squire; yes, l know. When
did it happen?"
About two years ago. She slipped off there
few months afterwards while we were hunting
for her in London; we've just found out"
The squire sat down slowly.
What was her name?" he asked
Her right was Lucas
''Lucas?' said the squire sharply
''Estec Lucas but she down here under
the of Darlington
sCarrington' the squire repeated.
He had courted Estele Darlington of Merring
him that she had taken mothers of
Lucas. because her family was d1sgraced she
had assured him, the other hand, that none of
that disgrace fell her. He had married her.
and this day knew more.
You know the person, sir?" the inspector asked.
"I know-Miss Carrington-Yes-Are you
quite of your facts, inspector? Miss Caring
ton--or Lucas-seemed to me to be a lady who
was entitled to my utmost respect.
You might we'll take her to be, sir. Most
likely she was brought up to be one More shame
You distress me greatly said the squire.
There a long silence.
Il am sorry, SIR" said the inspector, "as the
lady is--as you knew her. You've been taken in
III seems So the squire owned; "but cannot
help hoping that she may have some explanation
Perhaps if she that you wanted her she
would come forward of her own accord and
pIain?" He glanced into the shadows toward the
curtain. The table creaked sharply and he started
She knows that she's wanted right enough,
the second declared; land, as for explanation
well, on her track before and know every
line of her history. She bad lot, sir; an out
Iop,f fhot he We
respectable but she the moving spirit and
the brains of the whole concern. and the 'decoy
duck. the inspector says A splendid looking
woman, you'll have seen. sir
Yes" the squire assented. Eyes; she seemed
to a very-a very splendid woman. Well, 1t is
my duty to assist you in experimenting her, and
So" He stared at the curtain afar In the shad-
he caught glimpse of white face between the
curtains. and so-the cart will be ready shortly.
You will like food frst?"
THANK you sir. OF course We'll treat the-tne
lady politely. as she,s-as you know sh her saa,
very-staggered!" he owned
You would be. SIR" the inspector agreed. But
of course we shan't mention your name in any
way. l don't think we need take up any more OF
your time, sir
Thank you" The squire rang the bell. Il
should be glad If you would refrain from men
tloning the lady downstairs.
Very good. sir: Good evening
The men out. The squire turned toward
the place where the window recess lay hidden in
the darkness, and half rose, with his hands on the
of his chair.
"Es,tellei" called under his breath. "Estelle!"
There was He slowly; walked
slowly the into the darkness behind
the Presently he came out holding silent
woman by the ARM and led her to chair.
"Estelle.' he said again; but she did not speak;
only sat looking at the fire. Her face was inscru-
table. He turned to her with a sudden despairing
gesture.
Have you nothing to say, Estelle?" he asked
And when she did not answer he made sound
almost like a Sob Mine is an. old name to be
diserrcedi" he said with catch in his voice.
.'Oht" she said. in quiet, level tone; your
name: You can give ne up Estelle Carrington
or Lucas. Your servants will keep counsel, and
TO one will inquire about doings down here.
You save-your name.
81 must save you, Estele,'' said the squire
NE? Why should you? And what you
do"