The Washington herald., 1908-04-01

tiOns which he can substantiate There
is a certain witness whom Mr. Statham
believes 10 be dead, but who Is still
alive and is now in England"
"A witness-of WHAT" asked Rolfe
quickly
"of the crime which Adams alleges.
''Crime-what crime?" calculated the
young man I'm surprise, staring at his
pretty companion.
Some serious offeuse. but OF what ma
ture ! am not permitted to explain TO
you"
why not. Miss Lorena? You must,
Remember that Mr.. Statham is in ignor-
ance of this--I mean that Adams intends
to charge him with a crime. Surely the
position Is most serious. imagined that
Adams charges were criticism OF Mr.
Statham's methods Of finance"
Finance does not enter into Il al all"
said the girl. "The allegation is a secret
crime by which the millionaire laid the
foundation OF his fortune; a crime com
mitted abroad. and OF which there are
two witnesses still living, men who were
until few weeks ago, believed TO be
dead.
But you tell rle that Adams associate
VIII, IL Mr.. Statham commits suicide
profit 70 an enormous amount. VIII you
not explain? If this is so. why have they
not attempted 20 levy blackmai? II the
charge has foundation-which l do not
for one moment believe-then surely Mr.
Statham would be prepared 20 make pay
ment and hush up the affair? He would
not be human II he refused?"
The pair are fully alive 70 the danger
Of any attempt to procure money by
promise Of secrecy" she replied. They
have already fully considered the matter,
and arrived at the conclusion that TO COM
pei Mr.. Statham to take his own life Is
the wiser and easier course"
You seem to be In their confidence.
Miss Lorena? he said. gazing at the
pretty girl al his side.
Yes. l am. That is why l am unable
to reveal to you the name OF Adams COM
panion," she replied. "All / can tell you
is that the intention is 10 make against
him a terrible charge of which they
possess evidence which is, apparently,
overwhelming
Then you know the charge IL Is intend
ed TO bring againse him-eh?'
Yes, was her prompt answer. TO
me 1t seems outrageous, Incompetent
sible-and yet"
"well?"
And yet, IL II is really true II would
account 20 a very great degree for Mr.
Stratham's eccentricity. OF which I've so
often read in the papers. No one enters
his house in Park lane. Is not that SOP"
He is shy. and does not care for stran-
gers was Rolfes response.
But IL was said in the paper only a
week ago that nobody has ever been up-
stairs in that house except himself There
is door on the stairs, they say, which is
always kept locked and bolted."
And if that is so?"
Well-have you ever been upstairs. AIr
Rolfe? Tell me; I'm very anxious 10
know"
L make no secret OF it." was his reply.
smiling the while. Il have never been
upstairs. Entrance there is forbidden. -
Even TO youths confidential seere-
tary?"
Yes. even to me-"
And yet there are signs OF the up
stairs rooms being occupied" she re-
marked I have seen lights there my
self. as I've passed the house was
along Park lane late one evening last
week"
so you have been recently In London
London Is my home. am only here
on a visit" was her reply. And ascer-
taining you were coming here, I resolved
70 see you.
And has this serious allegation which
Adams intends 10 bring any connection
wiki the mystery concerning the man
sion2"
Yes. II has"
In what way"
She paused. as though uncertain wheth-
er or not 10 tell the truth.
Because" she said at last. because
l firmly believe. from facts known TO me.
that confirmation Of the truth OF Adams
charge will be discovered beyond that
locked door"