The Washington times., 1909-01-27
CHAPTER XI.
TOO LATE

H l. A-alN -AAa
TOO LATE.
THEN Bess Brown arrived in
n Marshall after her trip 60
" " Dewitt ehe had two hours
in which to convince Bar
low that it would do no good to show
The evidence found IN the suitcase.
Her hopes were high. Jim had told
her that the articles were not in the
bag, to his knowledge. That was
enough Why shouldn't that convince
anybody?
Then Bess realized that everybody
did not have the same faith in Holden
that she had.
When she got off at the station
she noticed d cOolness in the air OF
several townspeople she knew. The
station agent. too, seemed different
from what he had been in the morn
ing.
Bess wondered .aguely If Barlow
had broken his word and given the
evidence out before waiting the
agreed time.
As Bess aIighted she saw among the
faces that stared at her that Of her
cousin. looking sad and worn. He
came up 70 her directly.
where on earth have you been,
Bess? Your father has been teie-
graphing all over. The ticket agent
said you'd gone to Dewitt. Why
didn't you let some OF US snow
'I didn't have time" Bess told him.
Then the cold looks on the faces Of
the people who passed struck her with
wonder again.
What's the matter, Tom. she cried
suddenly. "Why does everybody stare
at me Ike that? I'm not a criminal.
am 10
Young Griswold flushed.
There's a story going about
he began.
What story Bess demanded
quickly.
They walked on in silence for sew
eral minutes The minister OF Bess
church passed them on the street
smiled 70 Tom and lifted his hat
c0IdIy, not even looking toward Bess.
What does il all mean" cried the
2irl. striving for an explanation Of
this unaccountable state of affairs.
"Bess, where were YOU at about S
This morning." her cousin asked di-
roctly.
She flushed 4 thought staggered her
Was IL too late2 Was the evidence out
against her and Jim?
You mean that Barlow has told Of
uy finding Jim's suitcasc2" she cried
f1rupuy. stepping aside and dropping
her eyes as another man she knew
passed by without more than curt nod
and a lift of the hat for the couple
II don't know where the story came
from. continued Tom but it was
sJusthing about an elOpemeut and a
suitcase you went after this morning
Gather trTTrsr HFf
aseathlessIy.
Yes" he answered slowly dropping
H.s eyes 10 the walk.
who told him2' cried the girl "Wh0
told uim?'
There was an awkward hesitation on
the part Of her cousin. He seemed
averse 20 making a reply.
Bess urged him TO answer, and finally
He admitted reluctantly.
your brother George"
Bess flushed, but answered not a
word.
Tell me- Bess urged Tom Griswold
there isn't anything in the story
There isn't anything in IL. Is there:"
How dare you" she cried, breaking
svay from him. pursuing her lips to-
seJher ana walking ON alone some five
feet ahead Of him.
Where are you going, Bessg" DE
ralIed. catching up with her
I've got au eTrand 20 do. Please
leave me- she answered lupatlcutIY
But your father sent me out TO sooa
for you" insisted Tom. "aud now thai
i've found you I'm afraid you'u 80 oil
and get lost
no, please leave rae. Tell father TI
He home az s. Bass replied, breaking
rom him again.
Tom wavered, thou realizing how
wrought up she must be. he did as sh.
requested.
Eess went at once 20 the boarding
house where Jim Holden had stayed
and asked for MT. Gordon. When tina.
Young man came 10 the door she re-
peatad what Jim had told her about th,
packing OF the suitcase. and asked g.
He remembered seeing the bag packed
Il certainly do" he answered. d"
helped him. and Z know every aud 10
it,
"Was there brace and blt or a. blacl
aask2" asked the girl quickly.
III there was ] don't know how
either Of them was squeezed in. 30 smile,
Gordon. I'VE had 20 SIT ou the lid q,
cot IL down as fl was. and certainly %,
suca things were packed"
From his manner Bess knew tina
Jims friend had not heard Of the lates
Fumor about the finding Of evidence i
Tho bag. IT was such relief % dis
cover somebody that believed aDsolutel.
Zoo jim. for Gordon proceeded 10 expires
his feelings on the matter without De
serve.
Bess asked him to help her by mak