The Washington times., 1911-10-03
By CAROLYN WELLS


imagine this, and yet there was a
shadow of plausibility in II.
"It seems almost impossible" I said
slowly, that a wounded girl could have
energy enough to secure pistol and
shoot her assailant. And yet, admit, i
can think of no other way to explain
Miss Leslie's repeated expressions of
grieved amazement that Philip should
have shot her."
You don't think 1t possible. then,
that Mildred may not be as unconscious
as she seems. and that she Is making
this repeated statement for reasons of
her OWN"
Miss Gardiner" 1 exclaimed, now
thoroughly aroused. Il am surprised at
you. Even Ii you suspect Miss Leslie of
absolute crime, pray give the poor girl
the benefit of the doubt until she can
defend herself, or-is beyond all need
of defense"
You do me injustice" said Irene,
raising her head haughtily. My logical
mind necessitates the consideration of
every possible solution of this puzzle
look upon Mildred impersonally, mere
drama"
You have indeed a logical mind" l
said coldly, ''if you can entirely elm
naaIat inafe the personal ss element from your
see no reason why I should not.
Judge her fairly and without prejudice.
But i fail to see why the ravings of a
mind affected by the consequences of
an anesthetic should be accepted as
unquestioned truth"
"On the contrary, the revelations
made by a brain just revived from the
Inconsistencies produced by ether are
conceded by all medical authorities in
variably to be true statements. Many
secrets have been revealed in this way"
That fact is new to me- said Irene
thoughtfully, "and 1t is very interesting.
I am always willing to accept authorita-
tive facts, but l decline TO accept un-
proved theories
"At any rate" ventured, you have
no word of blame for Philip" She
turned flashing eyes toward me and III
a moment realized the situation. She
was in the grip of two strong emotions.
Grief for the man she had loved and
jealousy for her rival.
Never speak Of him to me-" she ex-
claimed. Il claim that much considera-
ton from you"
And you shall certainly receive it." I
said gently. But, on the other hand,
let me beg of you not to do an innocent
girl an injustice, which your better ma
ture will surely regret later.
Irene looked at me. She had never
seemed more beautiful, and her Won
derful eyes expressed contrltion, graft
tude and a deep and hopeless sadness.
She held out her hand.
Il thank you" she said: you have
saved me from a grave mistake"
Still | didn't understand her, but l
req lized she was beginning to fascinate
me in her mysterious way, and l ABB
ruptly turned our steps toward home.
When We reached Maxwell Hall we
found DR. Sheldon and the Writings
with Nr Maxwell and Miss Miranda in
the study. Evidently something had
happened.
Each one looked excited; Mr.. Max
we'll was writing rapidly and Tom
Whiting WIS hastily turning the leaves
CT the telephone book.
What is it?" l inquired. 'Is Mil
NO" said DR.. Sheldon. Miss Leslie
is no worse. On the contrary, she is
nuch better. Her mind is entirely
cleared and she talks nationally, though
/ am not willing she should be Tues-
toned much as yet
II am very glad you have come. for
there is a new and startling develop
ment in the case, and there is much to
be done"
What is it?''zI asked.
Simply this. Miss Leslie, heing per-
fectly rational. You understand. says
that neither she nor Philip fred any
shots at all. They were both shot by
ar intruder wro came ih at the library
But" I exclaimed, then what lid
she mean by saying, He shot me-. in
such a grieved tone?"
she tells u.s. said Dr. Sheldon,
that those were the last words uttered
by Philip as he fell, and that they rang
in her brain to the exclusion OF all else.
That Is why she repeated them. parrot
like, during her unconsciousnesS."
This changes the whole situation"
said !. thinking rapidly.
1T does,' said Mr.. Maxwell. ut is
now a case for a detective" Then he