The citizen. (Honesdale, Pa.) 1908-1914, 1909-05-14

OF an oversubtle scheme to divert at
tention from himself! Wendham's g
reverie lasted so long that Evelyn
was annoyed.
You don't seem interested in my
latest information" he said at
length.
The physician started. II wonder
Il wonder" again he was lost in
thought. do you know" he said
suddenly, I'D question that man
very carefully. Have him here"
He glanced at the clock. Its very
late, never mind" he added.
Whats the odds?" said Evelyn.
He and Vreeman are sitting up
guarding the suspects, at Mrs. Law
don's request" He rang. Send
John here" he ordered as the butler
appeared.
CHAPTER VII.
A moment later the valet entered
the room. His face was sullen and
determined.
"Yes, sir, I'm here, sir"
John" ordered Evelyn, tell DR..
Wendham what you told me-"
"Yes, sir, certainly, sir. came
up with the ice-water trays, sir,
about nine, as It might be, and Mrs.
Gaynor's young woman. Adele, sir,
was just leaving Mrs. Lawdon's s
room. She crossed ahead of me.
Good evenin',' says I. She goes
right on as If I wasn't there. What's
your grouch?' says 1; but she'd gone
down the corridor"
How far away were you?" in
quired Wendham.
"Oh, quite the length of the hall,
sir, and the lights were low, only
the far electroliers being lit. sir.
But l couldn't be mistaken, no sir. :"
Gould anyone have impersonated
her walk, do you Think"
The man shook his head emphati-
cally.
No? Well, tell me and your en-
| ployer here, what did you mean by
going to her and telling her you'd
seen her, and that If she'd divide
you'd keep quiet?"
Evelyn, who knew nothing Of
| these Developments, sat up suddenly
with an exclamation of surprise.
| The valet reddened. but was evident
| ly prepared for the question.
II was hopin to get confession,
SIR" he answered glibly. Then I'd
had the whole thing in me hand,
and no doubt Mr.. Lawdon would
| have rewarded-you understand,
| I'm not graspin', sir, but I thought
as if detectives and police were COM
| in'-'
what did she say-what did the
woman say?' interrupted Evelyn
| eagerly.
up in the air like colt, sir.
| Wouldn't 'have none of it. I'd insult
ed her, and she'd go to her mistress
an she did he added ruefully.
"Then / came straight to you, sir"
"Wendham, do you hear that?"
Evelyn exclaimed.
Il was there when it happened
or rather, when she ran to Mrs.
Gaynor with the story. She was, as
John says, up in the air"
What did Nellie say?" inquired
Evelyn.
Wendham's face clouded. Mrs.
| Gaynor isn't strong, as I've told you.
| This evening has been terribly hard
on her. | was afraid that this final
complication would prove the last
straw, but she pulled herself up like
thoroughbred, told Adele that
she had absolute confidence in her,
/ nr1n hnr n nj n
under Mrs. Lawdon's supervision"
What do you make of it?" asked
Evelyn. Wendham hesitated, and
his host read his wishes.
You may leave us, John. Thank
you. Good night"
The servant bowed and retired.
Il don't know what to think, "
said Wendham, reverting to the last
| question; but this / do believe,
| that girl is as innocent as you are.
She was beside herself with shame
and indignation, and it was genuine.
| I'm far more inclined to suspect
| John"
1t was Evelyn's turn to fall into
brown study, from which he
emerged with his friends words
upon his lips. II wonder-I won
der. That would be foxy game,
wouldn't it? But has he the sense?
Supposing this man did see some one,
and that one wasn't Adele? Who
could it be? If man, then small
and slender enough to dress and
pass for a girl; If woman. one who
was either in our employ or who
dressed as a maid. It's beyond me.
Suppose the things we're stolen by
some one in the house-Adele, let
us say, or John-what would they
do with them? No one has left the
place, the robbery was discovered SO
soon"
"Of course" said Wendham,
they're hidden, and, of course, in
a place that would not be likely to
be thought of, at least in any super
fcial search, such as we made to-
night. This has been planned,
Heaven knows how long ahead,
and the receptacle chosen. If John
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