The Columbus journal. (Columbus, Neb.) 1874-1911, 1911-01-18
CHAPTER xxx.-continued.

L.,
CHAPTER xxx.-continued.
He would probably be accused of
the crime. So. although when the
wreck occurred I supposed everyone
connected with the affair had been
killed. there was a chance that you
had survived. I've not been of much
account. but I didn't want a man to
swing because I left him in my place.
Besides. ! began to have a theory OF
my own.
las We entered the car a tall, dark
woman passed us. with a glass of wa
ter in her hand. and vaguely remem-
bered her. She was amazingly like
Blanche Conway.
IF she. too. thought the man with
the notes was I'm lower ten. it en-
planned a lot. including that piece of
a woman's necklace. She was fury.
Blanche Conway. capable OF any
thing"
Then why did YOU countermand
that messase?" l asked curiously
when I got to the Carter house,
and got to bed had sprained my
ankle in the jump went through
the alligator bag ] had taken from
lower nine. When l found your name.
I sent the first message. Then. soon
after. ! came across the notes. 1t
seemed too good to be true, and was
crazy for fear the message had gone.
AT first / Was going IN send them
to Bronson; then began to see what
the possession OF the notes meant to
me. 1t meant power over Bronson,
money. influence. everything. lie was
a devil. that man.
We'll, he's at home now" said Nc
Knight. and We were glad to laugh
and relieve the tension.
Alison put her hand over her eyes.
as If to shut out the sight of the man
she had SO nearly married, and l fur
lively touched one of the soft little
curls that nestled at the back of her
neck.
when was able to walk" went on
the sullen voice. Il came at once to
Washington. I tried to sell the notes
to Bronson. but he was almost at the
end of his rope. Not even my threat
to send them back to you. Mr. Blake
ley. could make him meet my figure.
lie didn't have the money"
Mcknight was triumphant.
Il think you gentlemen will see rea-
son in my theory now" he said Mrs.
Conway wanted the notes to force a
legal marriage. I SUPPOSE"
Yes"
The detective with the small pack
age carefully rolled OF the rubber
band. and unwrapped 1t. / held my
breath as he took out, first, the Russia
leather wallet.
These things. Mr.. Blakeley. we
found in the sealskin bag Mr.. Sullivan
says he left you. This wallet, Mr.. Sui
livan-is this the one you found on the
floor of the carr"
Sullivan opened It. and, glapcing at
the name inside. Simon Harrington"
nodded affirmatively.
And this" went on the detective
this is a piece of gold chain?"
1T seems to be-" said Sullivan, re-
coiling at the blood-stained end.
This, I believe. is the dagger" He
held 1t up. and Alison gave a faint
cry of establishment and dismay. Sui
livan's face grew CHASTITY. and he sat
down weakly on the nearest chair.
The detective looked at him shrewd-
w. then at Alison's agitated face.
where have you seen this dagger
before. young Lady," he asked. kindly
enough.
.Oh. don't ask me-" she sasped.
breathlessly. her eyes turned on Sui
Ivan. "It's-it's too terrible!"
Tell him." / advised. leaning over
to her. 1T will be found out later.
anyhow"
ASK him." she said. nodding toward
Sullivan.
The detective unwrapped the small
tox Alison had brought. disclosing the
trampled necklace and broken chain.
With clumsy fingers he spread 1t on
the table and fitted into place the bit
of chain. There could be no doubt
that II belonged there. I
where did you find that chain:"
Sullivan asked. hoarsely, looking fo-
the first time at Alison.
"On the floor. near the murdered
mans berth"
Now, Mr.. Sullivan" said the detec-
tive. civilly. Il believe you can tell us.
in the light of these two exhibits. who
really did murder Simon Harrington"
Sullivan looked again at the dagger.
a sharp little bit Of steel with Flor
entine handle. Then he picked up the
locket and pressed a hidden spring
under one of the canoes. Inside. very
neatly engraved. was the name and
: late.