The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1911-05-25
CHAPTER XXX.-Continued.

He would probably be accused of
the crime. So, although when the
wreck occurred l 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 left him in my place
Besides, I began to have a theory OF
my own.
AS we entered the car a tall, dark
woman passed US, with a glass of va.
ter in her hand, and l vaguely remem-
bered her. She was amazingly like
Blanche Conway.
IF she, too, thought the man with
the notes was in lower ten, it ex.
planned a lot, including that piece of
a womans necklace. She was a fury
Blanche Conway, capable of any
thing"
Then why did you countermand
that message?" l asked curiously.
When l got to the Carter houa q.
and got to bed had sprained my
ankle in the jump went through
the alligator bag I had taken from
lower nine. When | found your name.
sent the first message Then. soon
after. | came across the notes II
seemed too good to be true, and | was
crazy fer fear the message had gone
AT first ! was going 10 send them
70 Bronson; then | began to see what
the possession of the notes meant 10
me. 1t meant power over Bronson
money. influence, everything He was
l devil, that man"
We'll, he's at home now said Nc
knight and we We're glad to laugh
and relieve the tension.
Alison pat her hand over her eyes,
as if to shut out the sight OF the man
she had so nearly married, and | 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. 81 came at once to
Washington. l 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
He 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, l suppose?'
Yes"
Tie detective with the small pack
age carefully rolled off the rubber
band, and unwrapped it I he'd 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
hocr of the carr"
Sullivan opened it, and, glancing at
the name inside, Simon Harrington,
nodded afirmatively
And this" went on the detective
this is piece of gold chain?"
1T seems to be-" said Sullivan, re.
cciling at the tlood-stained end
This, l believe, is the dagger" He
held it up, and Alison gave a fain.
cry Of astonishmcnt and dismay Sui
ivan's face grew ghastly, and he sat
Town weakly on the nearest chair.
The detective looked at him shcewC-
". then at Alison's agitated face
Where have you seen this dagger
before, young LADY," he asked, kind.y
enough.
"Oh. don't ask me-" she gasped,
breathlessly. her eyes turned on Sui
ivan. 'it's-it's too terrible"
Tell him." ! advised leaning over
70 her. 1T will be found out later
anyhow"
ASK him." she said, nodding toward
Sullivan.
The detective unwrGrped the small
OK Alison had brought. disclosing tn
trampled necklace and broken chain
With clumsy fingers he spread it OF
he table and fitted into place the hi
II chain There could te no doU1'
hat it belonged there.