The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1911-05-18
CHAPTER XXX.-Continued.

When did you find it?" asked the
lean detective, bending forward
In the morning, not long before the
wreck"
Did you ever see it befOre?"
81 am not certain" she replied. 81
have seen one very much like it," Her
tone was troubled. She glanced at me
as if for help, but l was powerless.
Where" The detective was watch
Ing her closely.
At that moment there came an in
terruption. The door opened without
ceremony, and Johnson ushered in
tall, blonde man, a stranger to all Of
US. l glanced at Alison; she was pale
but composed and scornful. She met
the newcomers eyes full, and, caught
unawares, he took a hasty backward
step
Sit down, Mr.. Sullivan" Mcknight
Leamed cordially. Have a cigar?
beg your pardon, Alison, do you mind
this smoke"
Not at ALL" she said composedly.
Sullivan had had a second to sound
his bearings.
Mono, thanks" he mumbled IF
you will be good enough to explain"
But that's what you're to do" Nc.
Wight said cheerfully, pulling up
chair You've got the most attentive
audience you could ask. These two
gentlemen are detectives from Pitts
burg, and We are all curious to know
the liner details OF what happened on
the car Ontario two weeks ago, the
night your father-in-law was muir
dered." Sullivan gripped the arms of
his chair. we are not prejudiced,
either The gentlemen from Pitts
burg are betting on Mr. Blakeley. over
there. Mr.. Hotchkiss, the gentleman
by the radiator is ready to place ten
to one odds on you And some Of US
have still other theories"
Gentlemen" Sullivan said slowly,
81 give you my word of honor that
did not kill Simon Harrington, and
that do not know who did"
"Fiddlededee," cried uotchkiss,
bustling forward. why, can tell
you" But Mcknight pushed him
firmly into chair and held him there
81 am ready to plead guilty to the
larceny" Sullivan went on. q took
Mr.. Blakeley's clothes. l admit If I
can reimburse him in any way for the
Inconvenience"
The stout detective was listening
with his mouth open. do you mean
to say" he demanded, that you got
into Mr. Blakeley's berth, as he con
tends, took his clothes and forged
notes. and left the train before the
wreck"
Yes"
The notes, them"
Il gave them to Bronson yesterday
Much good they did him" bitterly.
We We're all silent for moment The
two detectives were adjusting them
selves with difficulty to a new point of
view. Sullivan was looking detected
ly at the floor, his hands hanging
loose between his knees. | was watch
Ing Alison, from where | stood, be-
hind her, / could almost touch the
soft hair behind her ear.
Il have no intention of pressing any
charge against you" said with forced
clvility, for my hands were itching to
get at him eff you will give us a clear
account of what happened on the On.
tario that night"
Sullivan raised his handsome, bag
gard head and looked around at me-
i've seen you before, haven't -" he
asked. Weren't you an unlimited
guest at the Laurels a few days-or
nights-ago? The cat, you remember,
and the rug that slipped?"
Il remember" said shortly He
glanced from me TO Alison and quick.
ly away.
THE truth can't hurt me-" he said,
but it's devilish unpleasant Alison,
you know all this. You would better
go out"
His use of her name crazed me-
stepped in front of her and stood over
him. You will not bring Miss West
into the conversation" l Threatened
aud she will stay if she wished"