Arizona republican., 1911-01-14

tnat MISS SHAW was Wiling 10 sup
with Austen Abbott tete-a-tete renders
il more improbable that she should
shoot him in her sitting-rOom. an hour
or so later, and then go calmly up TO
her mothers room as though nothing
had happened"
Lady Mary had lost some of her con-
fidence, but she was not daunted.
Even il we have been deceived in
the girl" she said, thOughtfully-
even if she were disposed TO fiirt
with other men-even then there
might be stronger motive than ever
for her wishing to get rid of Abbott.
He may have become jealous, and
threatened her"
1t is, of course, possible" Ruff
assented. politely. Your theory
would, at any rate. account for your
brothers present attitude"
She looked at him steadfastly.
You believe, then" she said. that
my brother shot Austen Abbott?
do" he admitted. frankly. So
does every man or woman in London
OF commOn-sense to-day. On the facts
as they are stated in the newspapers.
with the addition of which have told
you. no other conclusion is possible"
Lady Mary rose.
Then | may as well CO." she said
tearfully.
Not at ALL" Peter Ruff declared.
Listen. This is a matter Of business
with me. | say that on the facts as
they are known. your brothers guilt
appears indubitable. | do not say that
there may not be other facts in the
background which alter the state Of
affairs II you wish me to search for
them, engage me, and | will do my
best"
Isn't that what / am here for? "
the girl exclaimed.
Very WE'LL" Peter Ruff said. My
services are at your disposal"
You will do your best-more than
your best. won't your" she begged.
4" Remember that he is my brother
my favorite brother!
- will do what can be done" Peter
Ruff promised: Please sit down at
that desk and write me two letters Of
introduction"
She drew off her gloves and pre-
pared to obey him.
TO whom" she asked.
To the solicitors who are defending
your brother" he said, and TO Miss
Lefty Shaw"
You mean to go and see her? !"
Lady Mary asked. doubtfully.
Naturally" Peter Ruff answered.
IF your supposition is correct. she
might easily give herself away under
a little subtle cross-examination. Ii IS
my business to know how TO ask PEG
pie questions in such a way that II
they do not speak the truth their words
give some indication of it. II she is
innocent | shall know that | have TO
make my effort in another direction"
What other direction can there
be-" Lady Mary asked, dismally.
Peter Ruff said nothing. He was too
kind-hearted TO kindle false hopes.
Its a hopeless case, of course"
Miss Brown remarked, after Lady
Mary had departed.
I'm afraid So" Peter Ruff an
swered Still must earn my money.
Please get some one to take you TO
supper tonight at the Milan, and see
IL you can pick up any scandal"
About Letty?" she asked.
About either of them," he an
swered Particularly l should like
to know II any explanation has
cropped up Of her supping alone with
Austen Abbott"
- don't see why you can't take me
yourself" she remarked. You are on
the side of the law this time, at any
rate"
81 WILL he answered, after a mo-
ment's hesitation. :" will call for
you at eleven o'clock tonight"
He rose, and closed his desk en-
phatically.
You are going out?" she asked.
81 am going to see Miss Lefty
Shaw" he answered.
He took a taxicab to the fats, and
found a handful of curious people still
gazing up at the third floor. The par
lOr maid who answered his summons
was absolutely certain that Miss Shaw
would not see him. He persuaded her.
after some difficulty, to take in his let
ter whilst he waited in the hall. When
she returned, she showed him into a
small dining-room and pulled down the
blinds.
Miss Shaw will see you, sir. for a
few minutes" she announced, in sub
dued tone. " Poor dear young lady"
she continued, " she has been crying
her eyes out all the morning"
No wonder" Peter Ruff said, SYM
pathetically " It's a terrible business,
thisi
"One of the incest young men as
ever walked" the girl declared, firmly.
" AS for that other brute, he deserved
all he's got, and morel
Peter Run was left alone for nearly
a quarter of an hour Then the door
was softly opened and Lefty Shaw en-
tered There was no doubt whatever
about her suffering. Ruff, who had
seen her only lately at the theater,
was shocked. Under her eyes were
blacker lines than her pencil had ever
traced. Not only was she CHASTITY
pale, but her face seemed wan and
shrunken. She spoke to him the mo-
ment she entered, leaning with one
hand upon the sidebOard.
Lady Mary writes that you want to
nelp u.s." she said. How can you?
How is It possible?
Even her voice had gone. She spoke
hoarsely, and as though short of breath.
Her eyes searched his face feyerishly.
II seemed cruelty not TO answer her at