The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1909-02-15
BY FREDERICK TREVOR HILL

"Of course every step must be
carefully considered" Maddox ad-
mitted. I'VE must move cautiously
and discover what is known and
what is not known. AS far as / can
see at present, there is very little
risk-comparatively none, when
you think of the effect of such a
disclosure as"
Dave, l don't like it," she inter
rupted. 1.-The only guilt | feel is
the the consciousness that l am
keeping back something and trying
to hide it. No one could catch or
trip me if l told the whole truth. l
never told downright lie in my
life, Dave-and | can't do it now.
Let me be frank and open, Or
She stopped at his protesting
gesture.
Its magnificent, Ainslee,' he in
| terposed. ITS magnificent, but it
isn't law. 1t isn't indeed. You must
feel your way with the law. You
must feel your way with the law.
1t isn't like acting with an individ-
ual or even group of individuals.
1t is an impersonaility which must
be handled with the utmost eau
ton. When you have seen the law
twist facts out of shape, and poison
words of truth, and reward conf
dence with betrayal, as l have,
then | will listen to you--but not
until then. Surely your experience
has shown you that the law can be
cruel enough in one way. l tell
you it can be cruel in countless
ways"
Il may be perfectly frank about
everything else?'
Yes. l think so" said the law
yer. THE only other important fact
l can think of now is your owner
ship of revolver. You know ! car
ried yours away with me and have
it still"
ooh, but had another one here.
You had another revolver"
Maddox's question burst from his
lips like cry.
Certainly. Mason LEMON, one
of tn eranch superintendents, gave
me a pair of them as was leaving
home, claimingin spirit of fun
that there was far more use for
them in New York than in Califor-
MIA"
The doorbell rang and Ainslee
rose to answer it. The moment her
back was turned Dave picked up
the newspaper and glanced over
the account of Lorimer's death.
The extracted bullet showed that a
32 caliber revolver had been used.
The weapon Mrs. Evans had
dropped in Lorimer's rooms was of
the same caliber, and she had had
its mate in her possession. Dawes
heart sank as he pushed the paper
aside. Ainslee returned to her
chair with letter in her hand,
May | read this?' she inquired.
rs your letter of any interest to
counsel?" he asked.
She looked at him quizZically for
a moment.
II think So she answered, smil-
ing. IT'S very sweet note from
your friend. Miss Prayer. asking
me on behalf of her uncle to come
and stay at their house. 1t is Ger
tainly very kind"
She paused and watched Mad
dox's face with keen interest. Then,
as her eyes noted the newspaper
which he had transferred from the
table to the deck her expression
changed.
Il understand now what you
were thinking of IA moment ago"
she began. Dick Lorimer was shot
with the same saliber revolver as
the one you took from me. and you
think | killed him with the one
have here. Well, the two were eX-
actly similar, 1t that proves any
thing, and I'm ready to admit this
or any other fact before the whole
world. But it's horrible to have
you doubt me. It's horrible and hu.
initiating. Dave" she burst out i'm
pulsively, Il won't agree to follow
your advice in this matter. know
it's well and kindly meant, but |
don't want the sort OF protection
you would give mel don't need
the defense you would make. You
can't be lieve me, and you shall not
lie for me-"
She drew herself up proudly, but
there was no bitterness in her
tone.
Maddox rose and for an instant
faced her in silence.
II will prove that / believe you"
The words were spoken earnestly
and in low tone. Her reply was
half challenge. half entreaty.
prove 1t"
Il want you to accept Miss Fray.
er's invitation" he answered.
(To be continued)
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