The Washington times., 1911-03-15
CHAPTER XIII.

T WAS well in many ways that Mr.
Barker had had opportunity to
glow accustomed to Burton's odd
stare. Just now the stare was
demonstrating lively astonishment in
the speCtacled mans brain-and the
fact passed the lawyer altogether.
Gray. whose lips had opened swiftly,
caught himself suddenly and allowed
them to open in splendid stimulation
OF a delicious yawn which, coming 70
q luxurious conclusion. led him to re-
mark:
Catching, Barker"
The lawyer nodded wearily.
a. least, I believe that Wilkes suS-
gested it," he went on. L may have
offered the idea myself We were dis
cussing it couple Of months ago, and
IL believe that I-or possibly it was
Wilkes-brought up the proposition that
It would be a good thing to make sure
the money stayed in the immediate
family I-dont know. l think I am
ready for a vacation" he finished rl-
consequently.
We'll let's drop the cGnfounded fam
fly for tonight" Gray agreed heartily.
Stay down with us
For a moment, Barker hesitated.
Then he arose with resigned smile.
NO use. I've got TO go back" he
said. wilkes expects me-and after
all I'm about the only friend he'll have
anything to do with. I must go"
You know best, Barker" the detec-
tive smiled. He's a queer cuss, isn't
he?''
For once in a while, Bsrker's nerves
seemed to have the upper hand this
evening.
Hes all of that-poor devil!' he said.
irritably. This awful business seems
TO have made him more peculiar than
ever l hope to heaven he'll cheer up
in the course of months-or years.
Why, do YOU know, down at the bottom
Wilkes has one of the finest, gentlest
natures on earth. He used to own
smile that was worth crossing the con-
tInent to see, when 1t did consent TO
come This last catastrophe-Lord!"
Il know, l know Gray said sym
pathetically. "A thing like this must
be simple hell for any man to 60
He went downstairs with Mr. Barker
He was hack in some five minutes, to
find Burton holding soundless conver,,
sation with himself-and Gray smiled
broadly as he closed the door.
The little straws are all blowing
around IN the same direction. aren't
they" he asked.
Curious that Barker should have
dropped that information!'
About their wills?"
Yes"
1T was a most pleasing little slip on
his part. Sweet, simple soul-Barker-
after all"
that Barker does not cherish the saIre
suspicious about Deston that you are
nursing. Furthermore, he is distinctly
sired this evening"
GRAY chuCkled.
We'll, it would grieve me to see
Barker suffering needless pain he said,
but all the same, I wish that he had
landed here on the edge of complete
exhaustion ana allowed a few more
truths to esCaHe"
AS to-"
For one thing. as to the real reason
that DeStOu cut off his elder som" Gray
Eaid. You know, ] believe there are
just two people alive today who take
absolutely no stock in that pretty idea
of not wanting the responsibility of all
that money. I'm one of them and
Wilkes Deston IS the other He knows
the truth and don't" Feet wide apart,
hands in his pockets. Gray faced the
other with pursed lips. But he had
1t all pretty well laid out. hadn't he:"
Burton said nothing.
The wills were made in his favor
and YOU NAV he mighty sure that that
slcgestior came from Deston himself,
W >
mind. The estate was settled. and the
AFFAIR had to be pulled of before either
OF them skipped of and married The
AFFAIR was pulled of and I'll bet that
Dsston believes he was justifedr'
Burton smiled broadly.
And now" he said sweetly, 'all you
have to do is TO prove that he killed
his cousin and watched his brother
commit SUiCide!'
Gray eyed him unsmilingly.
ah
"Not-at--all!' Burton exclaimed. pro-
testinglA, as he thrust out both hands
palms mp.
Maybe It is!'' said Gray, as the din
ner bell sounded below.
Gray, proffering an after breakfast
cigarette to his associate, nodded his
satisfaction at the single stroke of the
clock and observed:
Just half-past seven!
Burton blinked at him.
I'VE are not going up there this morn
Ing?"
I'VE are going to stroll up and pay
an unofficial visit to the shores of that
lake. Burton, If you have no objection"
said Gray. "A man OF Deston's size
g15d weight doesp't carry an extra
10 pounds of man without leaving a
foot-print or two, you know! q
And II we find tracks sufficiently clear