The Bon Homme County independent. [volume] (Tabor, S.D.) 1904-1913, 1911-07-20
But you didn't search the house no,

But you didn't search the house nor
the grounds?"
why should / have done that when
Mrs. Lawrence had already done it
thoroughly" he demanded.
True" | assented. After all. had
no right to shake his faith in her
upon a mere suspicion.
Il was overwhelmed" he added. II
was too daZed to think. Royce said
he'd wire for you. I'm glad he did,
for I'm utterly unable to decide what
to do. l should like you to advise
me-"
We'll, Mr.. Curtiss," l said, there's
only one thing to be done-that is, to
find Miss Lawrence and demand an
explanation from her own lips.
Whether or not this Is the wisest
II were in your place, think I'd do
Just as you are doing and take the
risk"
But to find her-how can I do
that? / can't set detective on her
track"
mo, of course not" I agreed; but
l think We can get along without a
I'VE must. Detectives talk too much,
and this thing mustn't get into the
II don't see how you can prevent
that. 1t was to have been a church
wedding, wasn't it?"
Yes, church wedding"
With an invited list OF guests?
Certainly"
And they were present at the
church, weren't they?"
Curtiss groaned and I saw the per-
SEPARATION start out across his forehead.
Present." echoed Mr.. Royce. IT
should say they were-the church was
crowded W. hnr
in the minister's study, worrying be-
cause 1t was SO late, when word
came"
"Don't" protested Curtiss, with a
despairing gesture. II never thought
of that. I've been thinking only of
have IT." and he groaned again.
We'll, there's no use worrying about
It," interposed Mr.. Royce. What is
done is done. The thing Is to find Miss
Lawrence, and II anybody can find her,
Lester can. I'm sure that five minutes
talk with her will straighten out tho
whole tangle. There's been an absurd
mistake Of some sort"
NO doubt" assented, though in my
heart | did doubt 1t very much. At any
rate, the five minutes talk could do no
harm.
Now you go away somewhere for a
day or two and leave this thing in our
hands" added our junior. What you
need Is rest. Don't worry any more
than you can help. Let us know where
you are, and we'll wire you as soon as
we have any information. That's good
advice, isn't II, Lester?"
Very good" said. II hope Mr. Cur
tiss will follow It."
mo- no." he protested. II can't go
away.I must stay here-I couldn't
stand 1t to go away"
May I speak to you frankly, Mr..
Curtiss?" l asked quietly
please do" he said. Speak as
frankly as you like"
"Well, then" began, you'll pardon
me for saying 1t, but don't believe you
can help us any, just at present. Be
sides, you'll need to pull yourself to-
gether."
That's true" he agreed. and glanced
at his trembling hands.
Take my advice" went on earnest
~. and Mr.. Royce's advice. Leave
Elizabeth for a little while. There
isn't much chance Of my finding Miss
Lawrence for day or two. You must
get your calmness and self possession
back. for you'll need them"
Yes" he said hoarsely; yes, I'll
need them. Very well, I'll do as you
say. Mr. Lester. Only it's deuced selfish
of me to throw my troubles on your
shoulders this way"
Seillsil notiiHS Crleu our Junior.
where will you go?"
II don't know" answered Curtiss
helplessly.
go to one of the bea hes near New
York. The sea air and surf will do you
good. Let us know where you are;
then, IL we want you, We won't have
any trouble finding you, and you can
get back here in an hour or two
There's one thing Mr.. Curtiss can
do" 1 said. "A photograph OF Miss
Lawrence might prove a good help"
"Why, Of course" he assented. and
thrust his hand into an inner pocket.
But. after an instant's hesitation, he
drew it out empty. II can't give you
that one" he said; II must keep that
one. I'll send you another. You're at
the Sheridan"
Yes"
"IIl leave it there for YOU But please
don't use 1t unless you absolutely have
to-"
Il won't use it all. II can avoid it."
assured him. II promise you that it
won't go out Of my hands"
THANK you," he said. II knew you'd
understand. As soon as you have any
news you'll wire me?"
THE very moment. I want you to
rely on U.s."
II will"
"And not worry"
"Tll try not to-" and he was gone.
As the door closed behind him, Mr.
Royce looked at me with q somewhat
guilty countenance.
You gee. I've got you into 1t again,
Lester" he began. Il hope you don't
mind"