The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1910-05-19
fling situa ton.


 ever you call it?" she said.
 Tt didn't amount to anything as a clue," returned Rob moodily. I showed it to some of the servants, and they said they had never seen such thing before. Harris was quite sure that none of the men who came here ever use them. I asked Carle- ton, just casually, for one the other day, and he said he didn't have any and never had had any. I asked Will lard for one at another time, and he said the same thing. It must have been dropped by some of the decora tors men; they seemed French crowd, and I've been told the French are addicted to these things" Rob took the tiny silver sphere from his pocket and looked at it as he talked. Besides, it wouldn't mean thing if it had belonged to anybody. I just picked it up because it was the only room that wasn't too heavy to lift"
 Rob put his useless clue back into his pocket with a sigh. I'm going to give it up," he said, land go back tc New York. I've stayed here in Mapleton over a week now, hoping I could be of some help to poor old Carleton; but can't-and yet I know he's innocent! Fairbanks, the detec- tive on the case, is pleasant to work with, and I like him; but if he can't find out anything, of course needn't hope to. I'd stay on, though, if thought Carleton cared to have me. But I'm not sure he does, so I'm go- ing back home When are you going to New York, Kitty?'
 question. Rob-" she said. for the intimacy between these two young people had reached the stage of first names, "I have an inspiration"
 "I wish I had some faith in it, my dear girl; but your inspirations have such an inevitable way of leading up a tree."
 "I know it, and this may also. But listen: Doesn't Schuyler believe that you suspect him?"
 "I don't suspect him." declared Rob, almost fiercely.
 'I know you don't: but doesn't Schuyler think you do?"
 'ewhy, don't know; never thought about it. I think very likely he does"
 And he's so proud, of course he won't discuss it with you, or justify himself in any way. Now, look here. Rob, you go to Schuyler, and in your incest, friendliest way tell him you don't believe he did it. Then-don't you see Tiff he is innocent, he will expand and confide in you, and you may get a whole lot of useful in formation. And on the other hand, if he is guilty, you'll probably learn the fact from his manner"
 Rob thought it over. Kitty" he said at last, you're trump. I be- lieve you have hit upon the only thing there is to try, and Fll try it before I decide to go to New York. I'll stay in Mapleton 9. day or two longer, for the more think about it, the more I think I haven't been fair or just to the old boy in not even asking for his confidence"
 f0yns< hot ,n1 hut must assure him of your belief :n him. Tell him you know he is inno- cent"
 "I do know it.''
 "Yes, know that has been your firm conviction all along, thuogh 1t isn't mine; just tell him of your con fdence and sympathy and faith in him, and see what happens"
 "A woman's munitions are always ahead of mans declared Rob heartily. '.I'll do just as you say, Kitty, and I'll do it whole-heartedly and to the best of my ability"
 Kitty was still staying in the Van Norman house, which had not yet been, and probably would not soon be, known by any other name.
 Mrs. Markham had gone away temporarily, though it was believed that when she returned it would be merely to arrange for her permanent departure. The good lady had re- ceived generous bequest in Made leine's will, and except for the sever ing of old associations, she had no desire to remain in a house no longer the home of the Van Normans.
 Miss Morton was therefore mistress of the establishment, and thoroughly, did she enjoy her position. She in- vited Miss French to remain for a time as her visitor, and Kitty had stayed on, in hope of learning the truth about the tragedy.
 At Miss Morton's invitation Tom Willard had left the hotel and re- turned to his old room, which he had given up to Miss Morton at Made leine's request.
 Willard without doubt sorrowed deeply for his beautiful cousin, but he was a man who rarely gave voice to his grief, and his feelings were evident more from his manner than his words. He seemed preoccupied