Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1909-11-16

~ didn't expect you to-" returned
Kirkwood. mo more do I. But, any
way. 1t must be clear to you that Tv'
done my best for this gentleman here.
He paused. with an interrogative lif
Of his eyebrows.
"'This gentleman is my son, Fred
erick Hallam But you will explain"-
Pardon me, Mrs. Hallam; I shall
explain nothing at present. Permi
me to point out that your position here
like mine-is, to say the least, anon
alous." The random stroke told. as
he could tell by the instant contraction
Of her eyes Of a cat. 1T would be best
to defer explanations till more con
verient time, don't you think? Then
II 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 dIsplease and
perturb the woman. She turned from
him. with an impatient movement OF
her shoulders.
Freddie. dear. do you feel able to
walkT'
"Eh? Oh. dare say--I don't know
Wonder would your friend-ah-Mr
Kirkwood, lend me an arm"
Charmed" Kirkwood declared
suavely, "if you'll take the candle. Mrs
Hallam."
Zone moment" she interposed ir
confusion. Il won't keep you wait
ing" And. passing, with an averted
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 bedchamber. Fol
some moments he could hear her NOV.
ing about Once something scrapeG
and bumped on the floor. as If heavy
bit Of furniture had been moved.
Again there was resounding thud
that defied speculation, and this was
presently followed by dull clang OF
metal.
Eventuaily-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
holding her skirts clear Of her pretty
feet as she descended In a rush that
caused the candles flame to flicker
perilously.
Halfway down "Mr. Kirkwood" she
called tempestuously.
Didn't you hnd itT he countered
blandly.
She stopped jerkly at the bottom,
and after a moment Of confusion Find
what, sir2" she asked.
"WL&t you sought. Mrs. Hallam."
Smiling, he bore unfinching the pro-
longed inspection Of her eyes, at once
somber with doubt Of him and flashing
with Indignation because Of his impu.
dence.
"You knew l wouldn't 6nd It, then.
didn't youy"
81 may have suspected you
wouldn't"
Now be was sure that she had been
searching for the gladstone bag. That
evidently was the bone Of contention
Calendar had sent his daughter for 1t,
Mrs. Hallam her son. Dorothy had
been successful But, on the other
hand. Calendar and Mrs. Hallam were
allies. Why, then
Where is 1t. Mr.. Kirkwood"
Madam. have you the right to
know?"
Through another lengthening pause
while they faced each other he mark
ed again the curious contraction Of her
81 have the right" she declared
"Where rs itT
"How can be sure"
"Then you don't know"
Indeed" he interrupted. ~ would
be glad to feel that ought to tell you
what l know"
what you know"
The exclamation, low spoken, more
an echo Of her thoughts than Intended
for Kirkwood, was accompanied by a
little shake Of the woman's head, mute
evidence to the fact that she was be-
wildered by his tinesse. And this de-
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
81 say, mamma, It's no good stand
In here palavcrin' like lot Of flats.
Besides. I'm awf'ly knocked up. Let's
get home and have 1t out there"
Instantly his mother softened. MY
poor boy. or course we'll 60"
J., 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, please. you there"
"Ahaw said Kirkwood to himself
II thought so And he halted In un
fcigned respect for the burly aud i'm
pressivc figure. garbed In blue and
brass. barring the way to the car
riage.
Mrs. Hallam showed less Difference
for the obstructionist. The assumed
inuteur and impatience Of. her pose
were artfully reflected in her voice as
she rounded upon the bobby with an
Indignant demand. What is the mean.
Ing Of this, officer"
Precisely what 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"
he added. with a dubious stare at
young Hallam's bandaged head and
clothing.
Perhaps you don't understand" ad-
mittcd Mrs. Hallam sweetly. "Of
see-it's perfectly natural.
The house has been shut up for some
time and"-
Thank you. ma'am, that's just 1t.
There was something wrong going on