Forest City press. (Forest City, Potter County, D.T. [S.D.]) 1883-19??, 1907-09-19
CHAPTER III.
A TANGLED WEB.

A TANGLED WEB.
Simmonds had dropped on one knee
beside HI body. He was up again in
an instant.
NO need for an ambulance" he said
tersely. He's dead"
The words seemed to rouse the girl
from the ecstasy of horror which pos
sessed her. and she buried her face in
her hands. shuddering convulsively.
Godfrey caught her as she swayed for
ward. and led her gently to a chair.
Perhaps you don't remember me,
Miss Croydon" he said. "Godfrey's my
name--it was only the other night at
Mrs. Delroy's l met you 1t was Jack
Drysdale h introduced me-you know
I'm an old friend Of his"
YES she murmured indistinctly, II
remember quite"
terrupted her. He had picked up a
small. pearl-handled revolver from the
floor in the corner.
us this yours. MISS" he asked.
She nodded family.
He snapped 1t open Int looked at the
chambers. One had been discharged.
He shifted al the barrel. then held it
out to Godfrey. The odor OF burnt
gunpowder was plainly discernible.
Godfrey's face hardened as he turned
to the %janitor. who had regained his
breath and stood staring on the
threshold.
My friend" he said. shut the door
He stopped as he heard the tramp Of
heavy feet approaching along the cor
ridor.
Wait" said Simmonds. There come
my men. I'll be back in a minute"
Godfrey nodded CURLY. and waited
until Simmonds closed the door after
him.
Now. Miss Croydon" he said. "tsll
me quickly how 1t happened. I can't
help you unless I know the whole story,
and 1 want to help you"
The ge%ntleness of his voice. the quiet
assurance Of his manner the
ing glance. combined to calm and
strengthen her. She sat up. with an
hands together in her lap.
There ISM much to tell" h began.
striving to speak steadily. II came
here to-tO keep an appointment
She stopped. her voice dying away, un-
able to go on.
With thi: man:" asked Godfrey.
Il don't know" and she cast a hpr-
rified gance at the huddled form. II
never saw him before"
The 1t wasn't he you came here to
meet?"
"No-that is-it may have BEEN
fAuO again Sn0 stopped.
Miss Croydon" said Godfrey. gently
yet clearly, Il can't help you unless
you're quite frank with me. and l fear
You are gotpg to stand in need Of help
Did you kill his MANI"
NO" h cried. "Oh. MOI"
Her face was in her hands again And
h was trembling: 1t was impossible to
doubt that she spoke the truth.
Then who did,"
There was nc answer: only a dry,
convulSive sobbing.
AZ Godfrey paused to look at her,
h door opened and Simmonds came
In. He closed 1t and snapped the lock,
There's q policeman outside and one
at each landing" he announced. Well
look things v here. n then search
the building. First. lets look at ~
body"
It was lying partly OF its back, partb
on IT. right side, with its legs doubled
under 1t. The face was q bearded onA
rough. coarse. and a little bloated-nuI
. progressing face under any circun.
stances. and actively repulsiva now
with it, gaping mouth and widely
staring eyes It was tanned M
scanned by exposure to wind and raiu
m there was . deep scar across tn,
left temple.
Between 50 and 60 years Of age" n.
marked Godfrey. "Pouf! smell u
whtsky."
Then. looking into the staring eyn
he uttered . sudden exclamation.
: See there. 6inmonoA how the rigAl