The searchlight. [volume] (Culbertson, Mont.) 1902-current, 1909-08-20

shadowy room. his arms holding her
tight to him. vhilst thsir whispering
ups found the old words that are %
sweet to lovers: then they walked to-
yether to the door Of the room where
the others were; Hilda passed Into
he lighted room. and outside LathOm
shut the door softly.
Il told you. rector" Thornton vas
saying, a. Hilda entered. that had
the identity Of tina, man
who asked at the club for Philip Hume
under another name; that he was
racing tout. whom the police hadn't
been able to trace. From what La
Thorn tells me, II was this same man
who wired anonymously to the police
from Lendal about Jack. This 10 .
valuable clue. and we've got to nnd
that man. He may know something.
otherwise, why didn't he come for.
ward at the time? He must have
known from the papers that he was
being inquired for. shall 60 over
myself to Lendal tomorrow"
He turned to Margaret Strangways.
by the way. Miss Strangways. La
Thorn Is rather concerned about you
about the long journey before you ut
so late an hour"-he glanced at the
clock; he seemed to be watching the
minute-hand rather intently all the
time he spoke-"that your kindness to
him has let you In for"
Miss Strangways laughed.
"Oh, that IL nothing. Though !
think We ought to be making start
soon. as I have to drive Mr.. Lathom
round to Westham on my way
no." said Thornton. quickly: he
was still watching the clock; "as .
matter OF fact, Miss Strangways. La
Thorn and have another plan. He 10
awfully grateful to you. but at the
last moment he and l have decided
on an alternative plan; and under
these circumstances you may prefer
to return by train. in which case ]
would drive your car over for You In
the morning."
Miss strangways looked surprised.
Hilda cried quickly:
do you say Jack IL not going to
Westham tonight in Miss Strangways
car? You and he were only together
a few minutes; you must have decided
on your plans very quickly" She was
puzzled, but Thornton did not speak.
"Then since It is getting late. won't
you stay for the night with US. and
send a telegram home. Miss Strang-
ways?" she added.
THAT would be still better plan
than going by train." said Thornton.
quickly.
But about Mr.. Lathom-"
"You must ask him about the new
plan when you see him." responded
Freddy, automatically.
The blind man. who had fingered
listening to what Freddy was saying.
rose to go; he had already said good
bye to Lathom in the other room.
II am glad you spoke. Mr.. Ruthen.
he said, In low voice. as he walked
to the door with Stephen; and there
was a warmth in his hand-grip. as
the two men parted. that there had
not been for weeks.
Stephen stood looking after him
thoughtfully. as the other tapped his
way down the garden path. Thank
God, he had found the courage to
make his confession! II was like
load of his mind that Lathom knew
the worst of him: and Lathom's gen
erosity had touched him beyond tell
| ing. Tomorrow he would seek out
| Anthony Strangways and compel hin
to give Olives address; no time must
be lost in acquainting the police with
what he knew about the revolver--ant
about its owner: 1t was stronger
clue than Lathom suspected. Tht
rector was Just closing the door. with
these thoughts In his mind. when thu
voice of the blind organist reached
him from the gate.
i "Parson-one minute! There's
something l forgot to say to you."
Mr.. Grale had turned and was com
ing back up the path. Stephen wen
forward to meet him.
.Just remembered In time. parson
to save me another journey to thu
rectory!" said the older man. In |
louder voice than he usually used
and 1t suddenly struck Stephen-wh!
he coud scarcely have said-that tn
words were intended to reach othe
ears than his own.
Then as he came up to the recto
the blind man whispered. In . low
troubled voice:
"Parson. there are men out In tn
road watching the gate-close by tn
gate: ! heard them. and I've com
back To warn you. The police-l'n
afraid it's the police that have tracks,
young Jack Lathom here."
Stephen stood appalled, by this whis
per OF sudden unlooked-for danger
Men watching the gate-it must be tn
police!
Don't lose a moment: 60 In an
warn young Lathom. Every minute
precious!"