The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1912-07-20
The Window By MARY ROBERTS
 RINEHART
Oontinued.1

seat I went back to have a word with him alone, He was standing beside the train trying to light a cigarette, but his hands shook almost beyond control, and after the fourth match he gave it up. My minute for speech was gone. AS the train moved out I saw him walking back along the platform, paying no attention to anything around him. Also had a feeting glimpse of a man loafing on a baggage truck, his hat over his eyes.
 I had arranged oyer the telephone that Edith should meet the train, and 1t was a relief to see that she and Margery took to each other at once. We drove to the house immediately. Do you know that you have not been to the office for two days? said Edith to me. "And do you know that Hawes had mysteries in our front hall last night? You had case in court yesterday. didn't you"
 "Nothing very much," I said, looking over her head. Anyhow, I'm tired. I don't know when I'm going back. I need a vacation"
 ssThe biggest case you ever had, Jack! The biggest retainer. you ever had
 s.rve spent that," protested feebly. "A vacation, and you only back from Pinehurst!'' @
 "The girl was in trouble-is in trou ble, Edith" burst out. "Any one k would have done the same thing"
 ''Of course it's your own affair."" she said, not looking at me, "and good ness knows I'm disinterested about it. You ruin. the boys, both stomachs and dispositions, and could use your room splendidly as sewing room''-
 ssEdithi You abominable little liar!' She dabbed her eyes furiously with her handkerchief and walked with great dignity to the door. Then she came back and put her hand on my arm.
 ,"Oh, Jack, if we could only have saved you thisr' she said, and a min ute later, when I did not speak, "Who Is the man, dear?"
 "A distant relative, Harry Wardrop,'' '' I replied, with what I think was very nearly my natural tone Don't wor- ry, Edith. It's all right. I've known 1t right along"
 'sPoohi" Edith returned sagely. "So do know I've got to die and be bur- fed some day Its being inevitable doesn't make it any more cheerful ; She went out, but she came back in a moment and stuck her head through the door. A5q vvgs=s8 as7(sr4ef
 sThat's the only inevitable thing there is," she said
 That Saturday afternoon at 4 o'clock the body of Allan Fleming was brought home and placed in state in the music room of the house.
 Miss Jane had been missing since Thursday night. I called Hunter by telephone, and he had nothing to re- port.
 I had fearful message from Hawes late that afternoon, and a little after went to the office. I found him offering late editions of the evening paper to couple of clients who were edging toward the door His expres- sion when he saw me was pure relief, the clients relief strongly mixed with irritation.
 put the best face on the matter that could, saw my visit0rs and, left alone, prepared to explain to Hawes what I could hardly explain to myself. i've been unavoidably detained, Hawes," said Hiss Jane Maitland has disappeared from her home"
 ''So1I understood you over the tele- wnRps Tn Rax ,1 stood by impassive.
 "Also her brother-in-law is dead"
 ssThe papers are full of it."
 sThere was no one to do anything Hawes. was obliged to stay" apol ogized. was ostentatiously examin- ing my letters, and Hawes said noth ing. I looked up at him sideways, and he looked down at me- Not muscle of his face quivered save one eye which has a peculiar twitching of the lid when he is excited 1t gave him g Bardonic appearance of winking. He winked at me then.
 Don't wait, Hawes,'' said guiltily and he took his hat ana went out. Ev cry line of his back EFas accusation The sag of his shoulders told me had let my biggest case go by de fault that day; the forward tilt of his head that was probably insane; the very grip with which he seized the door knob, his Good night' from around the door, that he knew there was 2 woman at the bottom of it all. As he closed the door behind him put down my letters and dropped my face in my hands. Hawes was right
 had not heard the door open.
 'T forgot. to tell you that gentle man was here half a dozen times to day to see you. He didn't give any name.''
 From around the door Hawes' ner. vous eye was winking wildly.
 You're not sick, MT. Knox?"
 s.Never felt. better
 'T thought heard"-
 q was singing I lied, looking him straight in the eye.
 He backed nervously to the door.
 'rI have a little sherry in my office Mir. Knox-twenty-s ye1rs in the wood If you''-
 "For Gods sake, Hawes, there's nothing the matter with me!' I ex claimed, and he went. But I heard