Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-08-02
CHAPTER XIV.
Matters Become More Mysterious.


veal the conditions under which Winch
immunity from arrest He seemed 10 be
teriousiy given me warning that the po-
lice we're in active search Of him.
Through those long summer days we
passed together IL the sultans capital
scorching DAYS, when the city Of mosques
palpitated with the blazing heat. when
the Bosphorus shone like mirror be-
meath the MONDAY sun. and when il was
only possible to venture out Of the hotel
after sundown-we often discussed the
situation. but no ray OF light was thrown
upon the actual drama that had been en-
acted in Redcliffe Gardens.
] reflected upon the past-upon all I
knew of Granny Cough.
One afternoon, as We sat together. the
room half darkened by the closed sun
shutters, / gaZed upon his burly figure
seated back in the shadow.
We had been speaking of the past. and.
with broken catch In his voice. he had
said:
You know. Phil. old man. II can't
bear this position. I'm sponging on you
like this! Here you are, out here with
me. paying my hotel bill and giving me
few louis now and then for pocket
money. well old fellow he added.
with emotion, II never believed that /
in you
"Granny.".-T answered quietly. "men
denounce you and call you ugly names
I have never done So
why not?" he asked bitterly. I've
deserved all I've got I've sometimes slip
ped from the path of honesty. but only
| Of dire necessity. 1 think =
q know interrupted. quickly. Il
recollec' some Of your actions-how that
cold December day in Paris when I met
You in the Place Vendome without an
overcoat, You laughed, declaring that
you were not cold That night You and
I left Paris for London and you still had
no overcoat. Then you admitted to me
that it was Christmas; that you had no
| money. and that you had pawned your
coat in order to send little Gertie
present. You preferred to go cold and
hungry yourself rather than the child
should not be made happy like other
children
"Oh. why recall those things he cried.
impatiently. starting UP and pacing the
dimly lit room. I believe that tears were
in the eyes of the big. bury fellow. but
could not discern them. You know
how I adore the child he said. "I've
lived only for her. and. thank heaven.
Providence has now provided for her fu-
ture. My anxiety is relieved But look
| here, Phil he said, hating suddenly be-
fore me with f1sts clenched in despera-
ton. Il shan't be able to stand living
on your charity much longer. I know
that you believe in me and all that. But
| I'm bore, a nuisance and an expense to
you. I see no way out of this hole-ex-
cept one
and what's that
"A very simple one-to steal
Rubbish
ooh but I mean it he declared eve
| tried to lead as honest life l could.
| though I've been compelled often to mix
with tough crowds and crooks Of the
worst class. I could tomorrow join one
lNff Ia IL tf,A s3Yfo
national game, pinching sparklers and
other valuable trifies, and earn quite
good living at it. I've lost Myra already
so what have I now to care for? I've
got no reputation to study In future"
"Oh.' said. Then you would risk
little Gertie knowing, when She grows to
be a women. that her foster father was
a thief. eh?''
We'll, what natter" he asked. bitter
| ly. is not her foster father already
branded as murderer
Denounced by a man who is admittedly
scoundrel, 1 said quickly. Il man who
| has secret motives III informing Myra
and her father OF your real position
Yes, secret motives he echoed PEN
| sively. 81 wonder what they really are.
Phil: | wonder who that man really is?
! Do, you know he went on. chat fell
! lows actions are characterized by a bold
ness and an ingenuity that make me sus-
| pect him of deeper motives than those
We believe The manner in which ne
| worked old Soutzo in Roumania. with
| as his screen. was clever to degree,
and shows me that it was rot his first
hand in a game of that sort He play
ed his cards well. That must be ad-
| mitted.''
Would that | could at that moment
have explained all that Elfrida-the girl
| with the wonderful eyes-tnad. told me.
But had unfortunately given my pledge.
I r
He played his cards so well that he
| holds you in his hands as the ace Of
| trumps. it seems.
YES" he murmured. He does
Granny? Do be frank with me, old fell
| low. Tell me. straight out. the whole
| story! Surely YOU can rely upon my
secrecy-even ir''-and I lowered my voice
| well. even II YOU are guilty"
Guilty he echoed in voice scarce
above a whisper Why need I tell you.
Phil. anything further than what you've
already gathered? Guilty! Surely you
know the horrible truth. All. my God.
| would that it were not the truth-would
that had never gone to that accused
| house-that I had never laid hand upon
the woman. You-you don't know. Phil
you can't realize how
II know" 1 interrupted in a hoarse
voice. already on my feet. Il realize it
all. Granny. You are guilty. What they
say Is true!'
He was silent.
"Yes-true-true.' he cried wildly. But
You will not desert me, Phil!' he urged,
grasping both my hands in his. II make
| excuses for what I did. IL take all
the blame upon myself. I throw none
upon her-none-you understand. from the
outset. 1t was not her fault-but an
others"
Upon the dead woman" l said in as
ca I'm a voice I could.
"No-no- not upon her. Upon that
| woman whose name you mentioned the
other day Elfrida.'
I started.
WHAT connection had she with the af-
fair? DO tell me- | cried quickly. Don't
conceal this from me, l beg OF YOU
Granny. Remember il is Your hest and
most devoted friend who begs OF YOU to
speak and answer this question. His
future, as well as yours. depends upon
it,
Your future:' he exclaimed in surprise.
staring at me. What do You mean,
Phil?'
II am frank with you ] said out
spokenly. II love Elfrida.''
Love her.-you-phii Ralston. my
friend-love that woman" he gasped.
'Ah. TINS is aWfll-horrible."
"Why?" 7 gasped.
NO" he cried in a choking voice. no
Phil, don't ask me, old fellow! I-well.
YOU know, | never say anything
against q woman's good name
Then you cast a reflection upon her."
| exclaimed.
You love her. You told me so. What's
the o talking to a man who's in
love-" he asked.
~ want 10 Know the truth"