Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1910-02-19
A Mystery
Romance
Copyright. 1909. by Dodd.
Mead q Co.
888&8888888&
CHAPTER XII

COMEW HERE on the east side,
beyond GramerCy pars and irv-
ing place with their beautiful
- old houses. where poverty and
suffering are all about and which are
commonly termed THE slums"-some-
where there. We say, ia one or the
smaller tenement buildings some
months later Miriam Chauoner. one
time woman OF society. took refuge.
In far corner Of one OF her two
little rooms was a stove on which
frugal meal was cOoking-a meal that
in former days she would not have
thought possible even for Der serv-
ants. AT the window Of this room.
which was bedroom and living room
combined. upon a small table was n
typewriter. before which SAT Miriam
Chanoncr. clad To somber dress. She
was pale. and her face was grief strick-
en-the look OF woman acquainted
with grief.
Suddenly she halted and fingered the
COPY lying on the table NJ her right.
Twenty more pages. I can't do
them now" she muttercd and. cross.
ing the room, threw herself upon the
bed. cheap bed that groaued as IL f.
felt her weight upon &C..
Tired, I'm So tircdr' she moaned.
Suddenly she SAT bolt upright. Tor
the sound OF q umid knock on the door
had reached her ears A moment
more. and she was at the door For
second Miriam could NOT believe her
own eyes Then she cried. half joy-
fully. half rcgrctfuuy.
Why it's Shirley Bloodgoodl Oh.
why did you Gomez"
why did you hide from meT- quick
~ returned Shirley. go have searched
Tor You for months. and no was only
yesterday that . learned from Stevens
where you were. who by thc way. had
orders not 90 reveal your whereabouts
but why did you Gomez" Miriam
protested
Shirley stretched forth her arms. say
ing:
And you didn't want 90 see megr
"Aes. yes cried Miriam. cliuring 20
Shirley ancctiouetely. But I hoped
-ou never would see th.s~ And She
spread out der arms as though 10 OK.
hibit the room.
What poor opiUion you have of
me. Why. Miriam. value your
friendship t"o highly 20 desert you ON
account of ths."
and Laurie-uow is hep asked
Shirley.
Miram's eyes tindlcd for an instant
Poor boy. she answered. hes I'M
der such a strain. It's "a wonder De
doesn't break down. Hes SO good and
kind through il AN too He's "a fne
fellow now" she went on. with crcat
enthusiasm
Let the see" said Shirley remiuls
Gently. His conviction was reversed
on appeal wasn't it:"
why. no. Don't you remember that
IL was Observation-Disclosures"
Il DO remember now. And 10 was
the next day that you ran away from
me, and I've never seen you since. AZ
frmed-aihrmed." she unused aud then
inquired eagerly. Then how did ne
get ony'
Nobody knows replied Miriam
mot even aurie. one day after the
a1irmance the jail doors were opened.
and be was free-that's all"
Surely Murgatroyd knows" said
Shirley.
"Oh. yes. he knows. but we never
ask questions. Why should we?
shall never forget him. I remember
him in my prayers. He was honest.
be kept his word"
Shirley smiled grim smile.
"Murgatroyd. the man with a prfcer'
Il can't forgive myself" sighed Mir
lam.
You? What for, prayg' asked shir.
ley.
For hurting out in the courtroom
what ! did when the jury found Lau-
RE guilty. IL was treacheryi I had
promised. don't you seq
"Murgauoyd would have been a fool
TO acquit Laurie on that trial" adde 7
Shirley sneeringly. "Oh. yes. he's
clever"
Fortunately nobody believed me"
exclaimed Miriam.
Except myself" observed Shirley.
land Murgatroyd"
Even Laurie didn't believe me"
went on Miriam. We never discuss
the subject. anyway. It's barely pos
sible." she said. flushing. that he
thinks we spent the money long ago"
There was a pause that was a trine
embarrassing TO both women. Miriam
was the first TO speak
"MurgatrOyd Is making a name for
himself. isn't heT"
Who wouldn't with stolen money
70 back him." Shirley exclaimed.
Miriam shook her head
Hes doing good work with il. He's
breaking up the orgaDization-the in-
side ring I'm sure that his WORT is
felt even o~er here in-the-siums."
And then she added vebemently. but
his best work will be over when be
breaks up Cradlebaugh's. n he"-
After be downs Cradlebaugh's." in
terupted Shirley. Il hope he'll down
himself That's my wish for Billy
Aurgatroyd."
"Murgatroyd is honest" protested
Miriam.
You mistake his motive. Miriam"
went on Shirley. Hes frightfully am
bilious. Why" went on Shirley. hes |