The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1911-02-27

out alone at seven o'clock the night
before. She had not seen him since
and she did not believe he had come
back. What made her think so? Why,
her own rooms we're just across the
hall and she could hear his alarm
clock go OF every morning at seven
She was always UP herself that
hour and had never missed hearing
the alarm till that morning. At first
she had thought she would knock on
his door and wake him up. Then she
had thought the clock must have rung
and she had failed to hear 1t. Now
she felt sure it had not rung and that
the young man had not slept there at
all.
Bruce looked at the bed. 1t was In
disorder, but whether it had been slept
in the preceding night or not he could
not tell. The janitress thought not.
No, Joyce had not said where he was
going. And he had carried nothing
but light rattan cane
A thorough search of the rooms re.
vealed nothing which seemed signifi.
cant to Bruce except cabinet photo.
graph OF an unusually handsome
young woman which occupied what
was evidently place of honor on the
bureau. There was no name ON the
picture but on the back was written,
in mans hand:
What therefore God hath Joined to.
gether, let not man put asunder."
Bruce looked at the writing again.
No. those were not the exact words.
The words. as actually written, were:
What therefore God shall join to-
gether, let not man put asunder"
The words shall join . were
heavily underlined.
Bruce put his hand in his inside coat
pocket.
II haven't noticed that girls face"
he said, quietly, /" but shouldn't be
at all surprised IL she were the origi-
nal of this"
He drew forth cabinet photograph
and handed it to the superintendent.
The latter glanced at II. Then he
handed 1t back and touched an electric
button. A boy answered the summons
Send Helen Lester here at once
he said, sharply.
A moment later, a young woman en-
tered the room. She stopped just In.
side the door and looked inquiringly
at the three men.
" Where were you last night, Miss
Lester? said the superintendent.
The girls face went crimson She
looked down at the floor and was
silent.
The superintendent looked at her
kindly
have no desire. or right, to pry
into your private affairs he said,
unless some extraordinary circum-
stance warrants 1t. | believe such a
circumstance has arisen. must
therefore repeat my question. Where
we're you last night"
The girl remained silent. with bowed
head. The superintendent looked
up at the framed photograph.
Miss Lester he continued, turn
round and look at that photograph
on your left"
The girl did so. slowly. reluctantly.
In that picture, you are standing
between two men," the superintendent
went on. TELL me what your rela-
tions toward them have been and are
now"
The girl wheeled upon her inquisitor.
What right have you TO ask me
such question, Mr. Andrews?" she
exclaimed What right"
She stamped her foot.
This Is a serious matter" the SUI
perintendent continued, calmly. I'm
a case OF this kind have right to
ask you such questions.
What kind?" retorted the girl de-
family.
Murder" said the superintendent.
The girls left hand went up to her
heart. She swayed little, but caught
herself as McGinnis stepped towards
her. Then she looked the superintend-
emit square in the eyes.
Who has been murdered" she
asked In an even voice.
The superintendent outlined the case
briefly.
The girl noted the details with pain
full eagerness, but made no comment
. You see, Miss Lester" the super.
intendent added, this is serious bust
ness. 1t may save you much publicity
II you tell me now all you know about
those two men.
The girl looked at Bruce and Mo
Ginpis.
They must hear what you have te
say, Miss Lester" said the superintendl
emit. interpreting her glance. What
have you had-to do with John Joyce?
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