The Washington times., 1911-10-01
CHAPTER III.
A Life In The Balance.

LTHOUGH DR.. Sheldon was
~ quick in his response 10 Gilbert
~ Cranes summons. was quicker
and, dashing upstairs, 1 reached
the library door first. For l must admit
that, beneath the horror and shock OF
the fearful thing that had occurred, l
felt the promptngs of the detective in
stinCt, and 1 eagerly looked around to
grasp the true facts of The case.
OF course, Gilbert's statement that
they had shot each other was mani
festly improbable, and was doubtless
the irresponsible speech OF frenzy.
My first glance at the tragedy showed
me Philip stretched on the moor, appar-
emily dead, and Mildred fallen in
heap few feet away.
! did not touch them, but / saw she
had a pistol clutched in her right hand.
In a moment Dr. Sheldon and several
others came Fastening in. / had eX-
pected TO see the whole crowd, but as
/ learned afterward, one of the men
with rare good judgment and presence
of mind had insisted on most of the
guests remaining downstairs until more
particulars of the accident were learned.
Dr. Sheldon gave a quick look al
Philip, flung open his clothing. placed
his hand on his heart, and after mo-
ntent said. gently:
He is dead
Then he turned to Mildred ana stoop-
ing. took her unconscious form in his
She is not" he said eagerly. "Tele-
phone for my assistant, DR.. Burton, to
come at once and bring my instru-
ments. I think we can yet save her
life. Tell him to fly. Tell him what
has happened, but don't delay him"
DR.. Sheldon, who was acting as
rapidly as he talked, took the weapon
from Mildreds hand and laid it on the
table.
Let no one touch that" he ordered.
land let no one touch Philip Maxwell's
body. Send for the coroner at once:
Mr.. Crane, will you keep guard In
this room? And Mr. King, will you
dismiss the guests and inform Mr.
Maxwell and his sister what has hap
pened? Mr.. and Mrs. Whiting will as
sist me with Miss Leslie"
Tom Whiting and the doctor pore
Mildred to her room, and l, not at all
liking the part assigned to me, went
toward Mr. Maxwell's door. But | sud
denly thought of Irene Gardiner, and
resolved to tell her first, thinking she
could break the news to the dear old
lady with a better grace than ! could.
l stepped out on the front balcony,
wondering If / would find her around
the corner where l had left her, but to
my surprise she was seated near the
front window, and was weeping Vio-
lently.
Irene" I said, as touched her
what has happened"
wv hat she SAID. stu ShaklnG VIII
convulsive sobs.
i told her. and her piercing shrek
brought, Miss Maxwell to her door.
open the door. What is the matter"
snd with return of her own tactful
manner, she took The old lady in her
arms, and told her the sad news.
Miss Maxwells face>turned white with
grief and shock; she t0ttered SS 16Ia1 but she
prompted her TO cry out:
MY brother! Does he know? Has
mo ;" 7 said. but I will tell him"
DO" she said, you know and love
him Then, supported by IrcIe, she
returned to her room.
hurried downstairs and found Mr..
Maxwell still alone and undisturbed in
his. STUDY. It was 4 the re,, hardest afo task
The old man laid down his paper.
stretched his arms. and said:
well. have You come for our
mo. Mr.. Maxwell" said 81 am tie
bearer of sad news. Philip has been
"Eh?" he said. not quite hearing my
"Philip has been hurt" I repeated;
shot
Shot and the old mans face grew
ashy pale, as he leaned back in his
chair.
/ had heard hints of heart disease
and / was thoroughly frightened. Put
lust then DR.. Burton came in, and I
begged him to take look at Mr.. Max
we'll. even before he went unstairs to
Mildred Leslie.
pr. Burton gave the old gentleman a
stimulant Of some sort, and 1 resumed
my awful errand.
He was very quiet, seemingly stunned |
BY the news, and after q few moments |
his sister came into the room. I believe |
I never was so glad to see anyone In |
my life. ani feeling now that they were |
better alone, ] left them.
went 20 the music room, whers |
Tom Whiting was dismissing the guests |
who. less than a half-hour before, hal |
been so hilarious.
Tom Whiting was a splendid fellow, |
and his cool head and capable manage
merit proved to be Just what was
needed for the sorry situation.
Except those Of us who were staying 1
at the house, the doctors, and Gilbert