The citizen. (Honesdale, Pa.) 1908-1914, 1909-05-19
THE
TANGLED
WEB
BY Ethel Watts-Mumford Grant
Author q "Dupes," "Whi,ewash," Etc.
Copyright, 1908, by Benz. B. Hampton
CHAPTER VIII.

In his own room once more Wend-
ham returned to the open easement.
Already the miracle of dawn had be-
come the miracle of day. The dis
tant reaches Of the plains no longer
unfolded roll upon roll of gossamer
blue, opal, and rose. Over the
newly illuminated earth a cloud OF
tinsel seemed to float. brilliantly
outlining each fall and rise of the
rolling plain with an edge of keen
est crystal. The air seemed sudden
ly purified, sterilized Of the dreams
of night, new-breathed from the
realms of the upper ether. Wend-
ham drew long breaths of the elixir,
refreshing body and mind for the
days struggle. For the present he
felt things must take their course
The terrible suspicion that beset his
heart must be verified. but sanely,
calmly, for the best result, above
all for the safety Of the one woman.
What to him was Mrs. Lawdon clam
oring for the insignia of her van
ity? Deep within himself he gave
thanks for his old conviction
"crime is disease, and somewhere in
the realm Of science lies the cure"
But had the enemy made inroads so
far that conscience was dead? Would
one woman sacrifice the other? Sup
pose the net of evidence drew too
close about her?
He shuddered, but his royal spirit
rose to the hazard. Some operations
offend every aesthetic sense. Must
the physician fail in his sympathy
and attention? He was startled to
discover how he had accepted the
suggestion of his thought. That was
beyond reason. He would consider
how slight was the foundation upon
which his imagination had reared
his conviction-it was deduction
that he must verify before he might
consider it anything but the shadow
of conjecture. He scored himself
roundly for his readiness to accept
such a damnable solution of the
problem. He must be wise, quick Of
thought, slow of action, and his
time, his strength, the knowledge
that had borne him to such strange
deductions, all things must become
subservient to her necessities-but-
he must know.
In the gun room Mrs. Lawdon, her
husband, and their host were gath
cred in close forVlation about Col
Inns, the local police potentate. BY
the fireplace two detectives from the
city lounged. overobviously at ease
do you wish to swear out war
rant against this girl?" inquired
Collins as Mrs. Lawdon savagely
announced her suspicious.
"Of course not" interposed her
husband. I'VE have no evidence ex-
cept what your man John reported
to you, Mr.. Evelyn. 1t is not sufi-
cient|"
beg your pardon" interrupted
the sheriff; lit is good and plenty.
1t allows you to hold her for further
investigation"
Mr.. Evelyn interposed mildly. II
am responsible that no one leaves"
Excuse me-" the thin, soft voice
asserted itself. But don't you think
it might be well to face your man
with the young woman?"
"Of course!" cried Mrs. Lawdon
oxcitedly. why didn't we think
of it before? Send for them at
once"
Evelyn pressed the electric but
ton.
Alfred, have Mrs. Gaynor's maid
AL 20
attend her. ! fear Mysteries and
fainting fits," he added, as Mrs. Law
don's face expressed unqualified dis
approval "And, Alfred, want John
at once. Now" he turned to Col
Inns, who vacantly shifted official
blanks from one hand to the other,
have you any theory?"
Collins h-m-md heavily. well,
sir, I couldn't say. With such a
houseful there's always dozen
chances. You know faint always
what seems the most likely one that
pulls off the melon-the ones that
look likely, like as not are innocent
as new-laid eggs"
Mr.. Evelyn smiled, and Mrs. Law
don turned with open scorn to the
two plain-clothes men. Haven't
you any opinion?" she demanded
belligerently.
mot yet, ma'am," said Leavison
slowly, his quick, sneaking eyes TAX
ing in every detail of the lady's per-
son.
Mrs. Lawdon shrugged her shoul-
ders and greeted DR.. Wendham's en-
trance frigidly.
Mr.. Evelyn rose to meet his guest.
DIR. Wendham. this is Mr.. Collins,
our local sheriff. Mr.. Leavison and
Mr.. Grayson are detectives sent up
from the city. They have decided it
would be wise to confront the girl
with my servant"
Eyes, see," acquiesced Wend-
ham. And in case of physical dis
tress you wish me to be present"
A tap at the door, and Mrs. Gay
nor, white and haggard, appeared.