The Washington times., 1911-10-05
THE TIMES DAILY SERIAL STORY
The Maxwell Mystery
By CAROLYN WELLS
Copyright. 1911. The Frank A. Munsey Coz

ers. But Irene wore a sort of fancy
boa, or stole, of white and yellow mara
bou."
she didn't inquire why I wished to
know; indeed, think she scarcely real
lied what she was talking about, for
she spoke almost automatically.
l understood this, for all d'ly she had
seemed dazed and bewildered, and un-
able to concentrate her mind.
What is it, Peter?" asked Mr. Max
well; have you learned anything new?'
,Ihey were very pathetic, these two
old people, who had lost their only link
10 the world of youth and happiness,
but the brother seemed to me especially
10 be pitied Owing to his deafness, he
heard nothing except what was directly
addressed to him, and was naturally
anxious for any sideiights on the affair
No, sir" / replied; nothing new.
But l think we will soon hear Miss
Leslie's statement, and then we will
know where to begin our work"
Leave no stone unturned, my boy;
cell on me for any money you may
need, and spare no trouble or expense
in your efforts. You're something Of 4
Can't you ferret this thing out?''
mean to try, sir" ] replied. %but
We have lost so much time, and there is
SO little evidence, have small nope OF
success"
Have you any theory or suspicion?"
! couldn't tell him Of my finding the
bits of yellow feather, for I hadn't q
Thought of Irene that could deserve the
meme suspicion, hut he seemed to notice
my hesitation.
You needn't answer that" he said
in kind way; "only remember this,
my boy Pc careful how you proceed
en- suspicion, unless yorr proof Is pretty
positive. Trace your clues carefully,
and don't let them mislcad you"
II EaaTnp.J ha. ct ho1
thonght-or had he too, found bit Of
yellow feather?
Well, at any rate, / would follow his
advice and be very careful before I let
even my own thoughts doubt Irene.
And now we heard the people coming
down from upstairs, and all hastened
back to the drawing room.
Since Mildred's assertion that Philip
was killed by an intruder. the district
attorney had been called in and had, of
course, attended the whole inquest He
was a Mr.. Edwards, and seemed to be
an alert and intelligent man.
Like the rest of us, he eagerly await
ed the expected statement, and when
the coroner arose TO read the paper he
held the general excitement, though
subduod. was intense.
II will read" said Mr.. Billings, the
sworn testimony of Miss Mildred Les
lie, given by her to ME. and reported
verbatim by my official stsnographer.
II Is in dialogue form. and 1 will read
ii as written.
Mr.. Billings-Miss Leslie, will you re-
late in your own words the story of the
tragedy that occurred last evening in
the library?
Miss Leslie-Mr. Philip Maxwell and
were in the library, and had been there
some time when a man appeared.
Mr.. Billings-Wait "A moment, Miss
Leslie must ask FOR more details
Excuse me-. but on what subjects were
you and Mr.. Maxwell conversing?
Miss Leslie-Must ! tell that?
Mr.. BillIngs-I am sorry to annoy you,
but you must.
Miss LesIie-well, then, he was asking
me TO marry him.
Mr.. Billings-And you?
Miss Leslie-Oh! / refused him. / had
refused him many times before. He
knew | didn't care for him.
Mr.. Billings-He knew, then that his
was a hopeless suit?
Miss Leslie-Yes. But he said he had
something to tell me that he was sure
would make me change my mind.
Mr. BilIinEs-Did you learn what this
something was?
Miss Leslie-I did not. Before he had
time to tell me that awful man came.
Mr.. Billings-We will come to that
part presently. Did Mr. Maxwell say
nothing that could suggest to you the
nature of the important argument he
meant to make?
(The Continuation of This story VIII
BE Found In TOmOrrOw's Issue
of The TimeH.)