The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1909-11-08

| haiH to nm m the adventure itself. the strongest force of all was the im- pulse to do for her. Here was the very chance for which he had been seeking come at the unexpected moment when every avenue seemed closed. I'm afraid I've got you into a lot of trouble with my stupidity and blunder- ing, he said. Perhaps now I'll have a chance to do something to atone for It. I don't think Trafford's a man to take me just from a wish to sratify my curiosity. I think he's a notion I might help
 TrafforG," she said again. '"rn never learn to hear that name without a shudderP'
 i T hope you wiu prove a false pro- phet. young lady" said a voice. and Trafford himself stood in the doorway. T beg pardon" he went on. to her look of indignation. I've not been playing the eavesdropper. but my time is short and you didn't seem to hear my knocking. 70 just had to blunder in. Your friend has but twenty min utes for his farewells if he's going to join me. as I take 1t he is. and I've got to ask to use part of that time. When you came through the hall that II to help him to carry Mir Altenburg panelling under the stairs was pushed back or not?'
 'I didn't even know then that there was a sliding panel" she replied.
 That answers my question as well as the next one I was going to ask. Another thing that Tuesday night, Ixrrr, here. why did one of them use the cot bed in the attic instead of sleeping in these rooms?''
 Neither of them did" she said. in surprise. T had prepared the room above especially for father. and he told me that he slept there. I'm certain he didn't even go to the attic"
 "Who took care of the attic?"
 Mother and myself. The woman did not come out of the kitchen. ex- certain she never went to the attic"
 When were you there last7~ | 'On the Tuesday that father came. earlier in the day went there to get an extra blanket from a chest. fearing father would need it''
 Did you leave the window open?" | aAdii OQcfi anu hnOW IL was shut when I came away. for I went to it an1 looked out. and thought what a dreary view it was across the woods now that the trees were stripped of their leaves Do you know this pistol?'
 ''I do." said Horace Calden. standing in the door leading to the entryway. Its mine. here's it's mate" and he 
 Where did you find this?',
 Come and I'll show, you.v replied Trafford. a trffle cold in manner as lcompared with his attitude toward the sister
 'T think may come. too." said Beckwith. who had accompanied Hor- ace to the house.
 .'Tm glad to have you" said Traf- ford. it'll save my telling you what I found in the vault and told you I'd keep to myself for the present"
 Judith did not seem to catch the significance of the answer. but Beck with and Grimbieshaw exchanged glances that showed what was passing in their minds. and the former glanced at Horace. but failed to catch his eye.
 They entered the room of the mur- der. the windows of which were dark ened by sheets tackled carefully to keep out pryinE eyesight. On the side of the chimney was a pile of brick and mortar. where the chimney-face had been torn away. leaving a great hole. that gave entrance to the vault into which Altenburg had converted the fireplace and ovens. Through this opening Trafford conducted Miss Cal den. the others following and forming group that nearly filled the avail able space. In the farther corner was a pile of tin boxes. and on top of one. fin the dust that had settled on every thing and remained undisturbed. was theoutline of a pistol
 "It was lying there" said Trafford. pointing to the boxes.
 Every one turned and looked toward Horace. who flushed red and then lost color under the scrutiny. He. had dazed look that Ans the popular con- ception of guilt. Without a word Judith passed over to his side and took his hand as it hung lank beside him. cherishing it in both of hers.
 For a moment Trafford seemed to find a small mans enjoyment in the sensation he had produced. Then he | gave himselt a sharp snake ana said | fin a heartier voice than he had ever before used with young Calden:
 Some day I'll ask you. just out of pure curiosity. how it could have come there Just now I haven't time to listen to the answer. did not show it to you before because I thought 1t might prove to have significance. Now that I know 1t doesn't mean anything can afford to give it away"
 Are you certain it doesnt?" began Beckwith. only to be interrupted by | Trafford with:
 Doctor. you've got to be away from here in ten minutes. If you've got any 'good-byes' to say you'd better get at them. think now must insist on your going with me"
 Back in the sitting room with the door closed behind them. Grimbleshaw