Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1908-04-16
her father having any valuable pos

sessions there, ne SAID SIMPLY.
But he may have done so, and a
theft may have been committed"
"Of course. But the whole affair
from beginning to end is most puz-
zling. l wonder the papers didn't get
hold of it. They could have concocted
lots of theories if it had become
known"
1T isn't too late now The house
agents, who probably know about the
removal by this time, may tell the
reporters"
sAnd now, at this lapse of time, the
press could not mention it for fear
of libel They'll think the doctor had
done moonlight fit, instead OF pay
! ing his rent"
1T certainly looks like that" re-
marked Max with laugh. But
only wish we could induce Marion to
tell us all she knows"
Charlie sighed.
Eyes" he said 81 only wish she
would say something. But she refuses
absolutely, and we're left entirely IN
the dark"
"Well, all can say is, that the doc
tor would never willingly leave me IN
ignorance of his whereabouts, espec-
tally at this moment. We have certain
business matters together involving
probable gain of good round sum.
Therefore it was surely to his interest
to keep me in touch with him.! Max
declared.
The man before him was silent.
Was it possible that he had mis-
Judged him? Was he lying, or had ne
really gone to Cromwell Road in
-, nd
house untenanted and empty?
cit is a complete mystery" was all
that Rolfe could say
do you know, Charlie, a curious
thought struck me the other day and
mention it to you in all confidence.
It may be absurd-but-well, some
times can't get it out of my head.
"And what is it?' asked his friend
ual.
Max paused. Should he speak? Or
! should he preserve silence. The mys
! terry now held him bewildered. What
had become of the dear old doctor
and the pretty girl with the tiny wisr
: of hair straying across her white
: brow? Yes. He would speak the vague
impression that had, of late, been up
S permost in his mind.
"Well," he said, "old Statham ha:
|, financial interests in Servia, has hi
e not?"
! Certainly quite a number. Ht
foated their loan a few years ago."
+ "And has it not struck you then tina
! he and the doctor might be acqua1nt
ed?"
"They were strangers he eS
so1, n arfI inc a
:. look across at Barclay.
!, Max was somewhat surprised at tn
= vehement and decisive nature G
Charles declaration.
II .'And Maud never met the old fe
= low?"
!. "Never-to my knowledge"
l: "Statham has number OF friend
and acquaintances whom you do ne
g. know. The doctor may nave been on
he of them"
"Oh, Sam has very few secret
If from me. am his confidential seer
tary," was the others rather col
~ response.
20 II know know. But would 1t NJ
,s be to Statham's interest to be {
- friendly terms with such a powerf
factor in the Servian political wor
g as DR.. Petrovitch?"
-. well, it might. But you know IN
10 independent he is. He never goes in
I'd society, and has no personal friend
- He's utterly alone in the world!
~ loneliest man in London
Then let us go trifle further
said Max at last. Answer me Of
I'M question. Is it, or is it not, fact, tn
re- YOU were at the house on Cromw'
)ul pood IN tho night of-Of their disa
Use pearance?"
ice Rolfes countenance changed in
las instant. His lips went white.
he "Why?" he faltered-"what do Y
las mean to imply ?-why-?"
lid Because, Rolfe,' the other said
lis hard, determined voice, ''becarse
en-, saw you there-saw your with my oN
US eyes,"
ed, Ito be Continued.)
al
rht Yso,.,oee Dreeidenf nice