The Columbus journal. (Columbus, Neb.) 1874-1911, 1911-01-11
CHAPTER XEX.-ccr.irucd.

CHAPTER E)X.-ccr.irued
When did you find it?" asked the
lean detective, bending forward
In the morning, not long before the
wreck"
Did you ever see it be!ore?"
Il am not certain" she replied. y
have seen one very much like it" Her
tone was troubled. She glanced at me
es if for help, but I WAS pCwerless.
"Wheve?" The detective Was watch
Ing her closely.
At that moment there came an il
terrupJ;0n. The door opened without
ceremony. and Johnson ushered in a
tall, blonde man. 4 stranger to all of
US / glanced at Alison; she was pale
but composed and scornful. She met
the newcomers eyes full, and, caught
Unawares, he took a hasty backward
ster.
sit down, Mr.. Sullivan" Mcknight
beamed cordially. Have a cigar? /
beg your pardon, Alison. do you mind
this smoke"
MI DIT SIit SJlu COllllOSeult
Sullivan had had a second to sound
his bearings.
Mono. thanks" he mumbled IF
you viii be good enough to explain"
But that's what you're to do" Nc
knight said cheerfully, pulling up a
chair You've got the most attentive
audience you could ask. These two
burg. and we are all curious to know
the finer details of what happened on
the car Ontario two weeks ago, the
night your father-in-law was muir
dered." Sullivan gripped the arms of
his chair. we are not prejudiced,
either. The gentlemen from Pitts
burg are betting on Mr. BlakeIey, over
there. Mr.. Hotchkiss, the gentleman
by the radiator, is ready to place ten
to one odds on you. And some of us
have still other theories"
Gentlemen" Sullivan said slowly,
81 give Won my word of honor that
did not kill Simon Harrington. and
that / do not know who did"
"Fiddlededee," cried Hotchkiss
bustling forward. Why, can tell
you But Mcknight pushed him
firmly into a chair and held him there
Il am ready to plead guilty to tine
larceny" Sullivan went on. Il took
Mr.. Blakeley's clothes, admit. If
can reimburse him in any way for the
inconvenience"
The stout detective was listening
with his mouth open. DO You mean
to say" he demanded. that you got
into Mr.. Blakeley's berth. as he con
tends. took his clothes and forged
notes. and left the train before the
wreck?"
Yes"
The notes, them"
- gave them 10 Bronson yesterday
Much good they did him." bitterly
We were all silent for moment. The
two detectives were adjusting them
selves with difficulty to a new point o.
view. Sullivan was looking detected
" at the floor. his hands hanging
loose between his knees. / was watch
ing Alison, from where stood. be
hind her, could almost touch the
soft hair behind her ear.
Il have no intention of pressing an,
charge against you." said with forced
civility. for my hands were itching Il
get at him. III you will give US a cleal
account of what happened on the On
tario that night"
Sullivan raised his handsome, bag
gard head and looked around at me
i've seen you before, haven't II" ht
asked. Weren't you an uninvitet
guest az the LaureiS a few days-ol
nights-ago? The cat, you remember
and the rug that slilped?"
Il remember" | said shortly H;
glanced from me 20 Alison and quick
Iy away.
The truth can't hurt me-" he said
but it's devilish unpleasant. Alison
YOU know all this. Yea would bette
go out"
His Use OF her name crazed me.
stepped IN front OF her and stood owe
him. You viii not bring Miss Yves
into the conversation" l threatened
and she will stay il she wishes"
"Oh. very we'll" he said with as
sume6 indifference.
Hotchkiss just then escaped. from
Richey's gr2sp and crossed the room
Did you ever wear glaSses?- h
asked eagerly.
Never" Sullivan glanced wit
some contempt 1T mine.
I'D better begin by going back
little" he went on sullenly. 4 SUI
pose you know l was married TO Id
Harrington about five years ago. Sh
was coed girl, and 1 thought a 10
OF her. But her father opposed th
marriage-he'd never liked me, and b
refused to make any sort of settle
ment-