Daily Arizona silver belt., 1909-06-23
Chapter II.-Continued.)

| l me to point out that your position here
 like mine-is, to say the least. anon. 1 alous." The random stroke told. as
 he could tell by the instant contraction of her eyes of q cat Tt would be best to defer explanations till Q more con. venient time. don't you think? Then If you like. we can chant condolences in an antiphonal chorus. Just now yOur-er-son Is not enjoying himself apparently. and the attention of the police had best not be called to this house too often In one night" His levity seemed to dlsplense and | perturb the woman. She turned from him. with m impatient movement of her shoulders.
 Freddie. dear. do you feel able to walk?'
 "Eh? Oh. dare say-I don't know
 Wonder would your friend-ah-Air
 Kirk wood, lend me an arm?'' | Charmed Klrkwood deciard suavely. If you'll take the candle. Mrs Hallam."
 'One moment" she interposed Ia confusion. T won't keep you wait. ing" And. passing. with m avertcd face. she ran quickly upstairs to the second floor. taking the light with her | Its glow faded from the walls above and kirkwood surmised that she had entered the front bedcha mber. Fol some moments he could hear her nov. ing about Once something scraped l and bumped on the floor. as If heavy bit of furniture had been moved Again there was resOundlng th1L that deted speculation. and this was presently followed by q dull clang of metal
 l Eventually-it was not really long there came the quick rush of Mrs Hallam's feet along the upper hall and the woman reappeared. one hand bolding her skirts clear of her pretty ] feet us she descended In a rush that | caused the candies flame to flicker perilously.
 Halfway down "Mr Kirkwoodr' she | called iempestuously Didn't you find it?" he countered blandly.
 She stopped jerkily at the bottom. and after moment of confusion Find what. sir?' she asked
 What ycu sought Mrs. Hallam." Smiling. he bore unflinching the pro 1 longed inspection of her eyes. at once somber with doubt of him and flashing with indignation because of his lmpu- dence
 You knew wouldn't find 1t. then. didn't youy
 "I may have suspected you wouldn't"
 Now he was sure that she had been searching for the gladstone bag. That evidently was the bone of contention Calendar had sent his daughter for it. Mrs. Hallam her son. Dorothy had been successful But. on the other hand. Calendar and Mrs. Hallam were unquestionabiy. allies Why, then
 Where is 1t. Mir KirkwoodT
 Madam. have you the right to knowY'
 Through another lengthening pause while they faced each other he mark ed again the curious contraction of her 1 underlip
 "l have the right" she declared | steadily. Where Is it?"
 How can be sure?' ''Then you don't know!'' "lndeed," he interrupted. "I would | be glad to feel that 1 ought to tell you what 1 know"
 What you knowr' The exclamation. low spoken. more an echo of her thoughts than intended | for Kirkwood. was accompanied by q 1 little shake of the woman's head. mute evidence to the fact that she was be. wildered by his finesse. And this de- 1 lighted the young man beyond meas- ure. making him feel himself master of a difficult situation. The woman would have led again. but young Hallam cut in none too courteously:
 'l say. mamma. It's no good stand in here palavcrin' like lot of flats Besides. I'm awf'ly knocked mp. Let's get home and have 1t out there" i Instantly his mother softened. My poor boy! Of course we'll go"
 As they passed out Kirkwood shut | the door and at the same moment the little party was brought up standing by gruff and authoritative summons:
 "Just minute. plense. you there!' l "Aha" said Eirkwood to himself "I thought so. And he halted in un- feigned respect for the burly and i'm pressive figure. garbed in blue and brass. barring the way to the car | riage.
 l Mrs. Hallam showed less deference for the obstructionist. The assumed hauteur and impatience of her pose were artfully reflected fin her voice as she rounded upon the bobby with m indignant demand. What Is the mean ing of this. ofiicer?" Precisely what 1 wants to know | ma'am." returned the man. unyielding beneath his respectful attitude. I'm obliged to ask you to tell me what you | were doing In that 'Ouse And what's the matter with this ere gentleman?' ?