The Lake County times. [volume] (Hammond, Ind.) 1906-1933, 1907-09-06
CONTINUED

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pleases me, believe the creature owes
no loyalty to it's fellows, and hunts
alone. Now, when you've followed this
conspiracy out and placed the blame
where 1t belongs, won't you come and
tell me about It? That door leads into
an outer hall which opens into the
street. No one will see you come or
co.
As she hurried along she wondered
dazedly why she had stayed to listen
80 long. What monster he was. His
meaning was plain, had always been
so from the first day he laid eyes on
her, and he was utterly constituencies.
She had known all this; and yet, In her
proud, youthful confidence, and In her
need, every hour more desperate and
urgent, to know the truth, she had
dared risk herself with him. WithaI,
the man was shrewd and observant
and had OWNED her mental condition
with remarkable sagacity. She had
failed with him; but the kirl now knew
that she could never rest till she found
an answer to her questions. She must
kill this suspicion that ate into her So
goodness to her, chung with despairing
faith to the last of her kin. The blood
ties of the Chesters were close and
she felt IN dire need of that lost brother
who was somewhere in this mysterious
land-need Of some one IN whom ran
the strain that bound her to the weak
Did man up yonder. There was Nc
Namara; but how could he help her,
how much did she know Of him, this
man who was now within the darkest
shadow Of her new suspicious?
Feeling almost intolerably friendless
and alone, weakened both by her re-
cent fright and by her encounter with
Strive, Helen considered as calmly as
her emotions would allow and decided
that this was no day in which pride
should figure There were facts which
1t was imperative she should know,
and Immediately; therefore, few min
utes later, she knocked at the door OF
Cherry Malotte.
When the girl appeared, Helen was
astonished to see that she had been
crying Tears burn hottest and leave
plainest trace In eyes where they come
most seldom. The younger girl could
not guess the tumult of emotion the
other bad undergone during her abb
gence, the utter depths of self abase-
ment she had fathomed, for the sight
Of Helen and her fresh young beauty
had aroused In the adventures a very
tempest Of bitterness and jealousy.
Whether Helen Chester were guilty or
Innocent, how could Glenister hesitate
between them? Cherry had asked her
self. Now she stared at her visitor in
Hospitality and without sign.
"Will you let me come in?" Helen
asked her. Il have something to say
to you"
When they were inside, Cherry Ma
lotte stood and gazed at her visitor
with inscrutable eyes and stony face.
1T isn't easy for me to come back"
Helen began, but l felt that had to.
If you can help me, l hope you will.
You said that you knew a great wrong
was being done. l have suspected it.
but didn't know, and I've been afraid
to doubt my own people. You said
had a part in it-that I'd betrayed my
friends. Wait a moment" she hurried
on. at the others cynical smile. Won't
you tell me what you know and what
you think my part has been? I've
heard and seen things that make me
think-oh, they make me afraid to
think. and yet I can't find the truth!
You see. in a struggle like this, people
will make all sorts OF allegations, but
do they know. have they any proof,
that my uncle has done wrongs?
''Is that alp
mo. You said Strive told you the
whole scheme. l went to him and
tried to cajole the story out of him,
but She shivered at the memory.
What success did you have?" in
CURED the listener. oddly curious for
all her cold dislike.
Don't ask me. / hate to think Of
Il"
Cherry laughed cruelty $50, failing
there, you came back to me, back for
another favor from the waif Well,
Miss Helen Chester, I don't believe
word you've said. and I'll tell you
nothing Go back to the uncle and the
rawboned lover who sent you, and in
form them that I'll speak when the
time comes. They think l know too
much. do they $50 they've sent you to
spy? Well, I'll make a compact. You
play your game, and I'll play mine
Leave Glenister alone. and I'll not tell
on Mcnamara. Is it a bargain?'
mo, no, no, Can't you see? That's
not it All want is the truth of this
thing"
Then go back to Struve and get 1T
He'll tell you; won't. Drive your bar
: gain with him-you're able. You've
fooled better men-now, see what you
ran do with him"
Helen left, realizing the futility OF
further effort, though she felt that this
woman did not really doubt her, but
was seourged by jealousy till she de-
atc.l.- IL. IL l..