The Garland globe. [volume] (Garland, Utah) 1906-191?, 1909-10-16

which sounded strangely familiar;
ITS only us, Blake and l."
The girls stared with mingled relief |
and amazement, but | looked the other !
way. for | felt curious sensation of |
personal disgrace, and as though IL
could not bear to meet their eyes.
But" said Elizabeth, at last
"but-"
1T is odd, isn't it," said Mr.. Ben.
nett, with laugh he tried hard to
make natural. "I'm-I'm most awful
ly sorry you happened to come down
We did not want you to know any
thing about It."
He paused abruptly conscious that
he was floundering badly, and turned
to his companion.
Tell them, Blake" he commanded.
This thing has got to be explained
and, after all, it's your business, not
| mine"
YES" said Gabrielle, in her most
high and mighty voice; 1T does seem
to need explaining"
| admired her very much just then,
for 1t is not every woman who can
look dignified and imposing when en-
veloped in a kimono, with splutter-
ing candle in her hand, and dearth
of stiff petticoats to sustain her moral
backbone.
Mr.. Blake cast an anxious glance to.
ward the recess from which he had
emerged.
"One moment" he said, then dis.
appeared into the darkness, whence
we plainly heard a subdued whisper
ing.
Are there more of your" demanded
Gabrielle, but with rather a forlorn
quaver in her voice instead of the note
of stern interrogation she had in.
tended.
IT'S all right" said Gordon Ben.
nett. "On my honor, Miss Gabrielle,
it's all right"
your honor!"
] had not intended to speak; the
words escaped before was aware of
it. He turned and looked at me stead
lily, and again | involuntarily averted
my eyes.
"On my honor" he repeated.
Now" said Mr.. Blake, returning:
''if you will kindly come upstairs, |
am ready to explain, but fear must
cause you some pain, or at least a
shock
We went up to the living room,
Elizabeth and l very conscious of our
dishabille and inclined to shrink into
dark corners, Gabrielle stalking ma.
jestically on in front with disgust and
disapproval written in capital letters
across her back, and indignation hang
ing from her shoulder blades.
"Well?" she said, coldly, after mo.
ment's silence.
First" said Mr.. Blake, with a note
Of calm authority in his voice, 81 must
ask you to listen to my story without
Interruptions, and to accept for the
time being any statements | may
make. Later shall be in a position
TO prove them"
81 hope So" murmured Gabrielle
plainly unimpressed.
Mr. Blake handed her a chair with
the same careful courtesy which had
hitherto marked his intercourse with
us, and waited until she was seated be
fore saying anything more. Gabrielle
sat rigidly upright, but suddenly re
membered that her feet, incased In
bedroom slippers, were minus stock
ings, and therefore drew them quickly
: under the folds of her kimono, which
hasty act was rather refreshing, since
it proved her but mortal after all
Il do not suppose" he began, in the
calm. level tone so irritating when
ones excitement is at fever heat, "you
=, will believe me when | say that Mrs
Bundy's emeralds are in your safe
Please don't take the trouble to deny
it, for / know | am speaking the
+ truth.
Also, | wish TO say that they were
/ placed there by the woman you have
}, received and entertained as Lady
: Campbell, but who is in reality a no
g torious character and badly wanted by
the police"
e Il don't believe It,"
a 1t was Elizabeth who spoke, and hel
K words were freighted with sincere con
viction.
e Il did not expect you to. 1t is true
nevertheless. This woman Is known
as Nell Simms, and her career ha!
{ been marvellous. For some years SHE
k was-well, associated with a famous
K criminal named James Kilroy, wht
gave the police long, hard chase be
= fore his capture. He had many
[ strings to his bow, not the least amonl
- them the smuggling of diamonds am
t other articles none too honestly &C
o CURED; since his arrest this woman
e has directed the business She /!
:, clever-wonderfully clever"
e There was sincere If unwilling, adj