The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-05-31
Whispering
 Pines

day, or SnOulQnC nave got over Iucfn as quickly as did, Quickly? How quickly?" The dis trict attorney stole a glance at the coroner, which made Sweetwater ad- vance a step from his corner.
 "I don't know. I don't understand these questions" was the sullen re- ply.
 "You walked quickly. Does that mean you didn't look back?"
 "How look back?''
 "Your sister lit a candle in the small room where her coat was found. This light should have been visible from the golf links"
 '1 didn't see any light"
 A few more questions followed, but they were of minor import and aroused less violent feeling. The aerious per ton of the examination, If thus it might be called. was over.
 The coroner glanced meaningly at the district attorney, who, tapping with his fingers on the table, hesitated for a moment before he finally turned again upon Arsrur Cumberland.
 You wish to return to your sister? You are at liberty to do so. I will trou- ble you no more tonight. Your sleigh is at the door, presume"
 They watched him go, each as silent as he. The coroner tried to speak, but succeeded no better than the boy him. self. When the door opened under his hand they all showed relief, but were startled back into their former atten- tion by his turning suddenly in the doorway with this final remark:
 "What did you say about a bottle with special label on it being found at our house? It never was, or, if it was, some fellow has been playing you a trick. I carried off those two bottles myself. One you see there; the other is-I can't tell where, but I didn't take it home. That you can bet on." One more look, followed by a heavy frown and low growing sound in his throat-which may have been his way of saying goodby-and he was gone.
 A few more words, some understand ing as to the morrow, and Sweetwater was also gone. The district attorney and the coroner still sat, but very little passed between them. The clock over head struck the hour. Both looked up. but neither moved. Another fifteen minutes; then the telephone rang. The coroner rose and lifted the receiver. The message could be heard by both gentlemen in the extreme quiet of this midnight hour.
 "Dr. Perry"
 "Yes; I'm listening"
 "He came in at a quarter to 12, greatly agitated and very white. ran upon him in the lower hall, and he looked angry enough to knock me down. but he simply let out a curse and passed straight up to his sisters room. I waited till he came out; then I managed to get hold of the nurse, and she told me this queer tale:
 "He was all in a tremble when he came in, but she declares he had not been drinking. He went immediately to the bedside, but his sister was asleep, and he didn't stay there, but went over where the nurse was and
 
 she felt twitch at her side and, look ing quickly, saw the little book she carries there falling back into place. He had lifted it and probably read what she had written in 1t during his absence.
 'She was displeased, but he laughed when he saw that he had been caught and said boldly: You are keeping a record of my sisters rawlings. We'll, think I'm as interested in them as you are and have as much right as you to read as you to write She made no answer, for they were innocent enough, but she'll keep the book away from him after this-of that you may be sure."
 'And what is he doing now? Is he going into his own room tonight?"
 ''No. He went there, but only to bring out his pillows. He will sleep in the alcove."
 "Drink?
 'No, not a drop. He has ordered the whisky locked up. I hear him moaning sometimes to himself, as if he missed it awfully, but not a thim- bleful has left the decanteT."
 Good night, Hexford."
 Good night"
 "You heardr' This to the district at- torney.
 Every word"
 Both went for their overcoats. Only on leaving did they speak again. and then 1t was to say:
 
 "At 10 o'clock"