The Donaldsonville chief., 1911-08-26


have their way, Bruxton," she mur-
INJURED, the light of admiration in her
eyes in contrast to her words. MT.
Donnelly knows Miss Holcomb's stand
ing now. He will remember"
| Donnelly didn't know precisely what
he was expected to remember, but he
realized gentler tactics were safer to-
ward the widows secretary while
Sands was around. 1t did not escape
even his observation that neither
Ranscome nor Griswold had said any
thing In Miss Holcomb's defense.
Nov, this Is all wrong, young
lady," se said to Elinor, bearing on
the soft pedal as much as he could.
''It isn't right for you to go on like
this, you know You'll get yourself
all worked up and then you won't
be able to answer our questions. Take
my word for it, it's best for you to-
keep yourself in hand
Elinor couldn't keep herself in hand
while that raucous voice was thrust
into her self-respect like rusty file
gripped as pnipsgd. She fought for
self-mastery, but the shock was too
much for her determination. Dorc-
thy's sisterly comforting only made
her tears flow more freely. Her whole
form quivered with staccato sobs.
Carson, still on his little journey
around the room, came full within
range Of Blodgett's right-angled gaze.
! AS he sensed the footman's expression
he started violently and, stepping
back swiftly, turned away in con-
fusion. Not a muscle of B1odgett's
other features moved, but his eyes
seemed to reach for the detective.
Donnelly was rapidly recovering his
place on the pedestal. Hands wrist
deep In pockets, he rocked on his
heels and looked at Ehnor piercingly
with his little eyes. The girl, in an
interval between sobs, raised her
head and saw that gaze. A slow flush
swept her face. She detached herself
gently from little Miss March. and
lifting that graceful head Of hers
higher, ever higher, faced the sleuth
with composure as startling as had
been her loss Of control.
'If you have anything more to ask,
sir" she said in low tone, II will
try to answer"
"Thanks!" came the curt reply. Il
knew you'd come around You see,
Miss Elinor-"
Miss Holcomb!" burst from Sands
in thunder tone "H-o-lc-o-m-b-yo
understand-Miss Holcomb." Donnel-
ly pretended not to notice the inter-
ruption, but he did not address Elinor
by her first name again. But Carson
seemed as perturbed as he had been
under the malignant gaze of the mo-
ttonless Blodgett
What were you doing In Maiden
Lane the other day." asked Donnelly,
sharply
II was not in Maiden Lane.
haven't been downtown In weeks. The
last time l went south OF the shop
ping district was more than a month
ago."
THAT is true" said Mrs. Missioner
hurriedly. Miss Holcomb went to
the Battery Trust company for me-"
Much obliged, ma'am" Donnelly
was learning to show more difference
to the widow. Carson had whispered
to him something of her social i'm
portance Yes, Carson, although he
was only neutral tint in the human
color scheme, knew few things.
"Was that the day you took the dia-
monds to Ttffany's?" queried the big
detective quickly. "To have one OF
the small stones made tighter, you
know"
Miss Holcomb's disdain had given
place to dull wonder. Where had the
man got his misinformation? Could
1t be he really thought-but, no. It
was impossible She felt as II some
thing suffocattng was closing about
her. She lifted one hand to her throat
to force back the sobs that would
come
7 am completely confused by your
questions" she stammered. 'Il do
not know how to answer What you
say Is so strange" She looked at the
others with q world of appeal In those
gray eyes Astonishment, sympathy.