The Caldwell watchman. (Columbia, La.) 1885-1946, 1912-05-24

conr.csr: tina. 30 wou:: 8: once sc-!!I
his possession o! 1t ard oi1er some
explanation that would Immediately
satisfy everybody. LeDuc was !coH'
ing steadily at him. apparently as pus.
zled by his answer rs YVES I. TO all
outward appearances there was some
thing hidden beneath the skin here
and l determined to make a quick
thrust at the heart OF the matter
bleeding hiru Of his secret for his own
good.
Where were you last night, Bruce!
asked quietly. The pallor of his
cheeks took on the unhealthy hue OF
wet ashes end he stood mute with an
unpleasant narrowing of mis- eyes. For
long minute the silence was un"
broken, LeDuc scanning him impa-
tiently and Glare, her pupils expand
ed, leaning far forward in her intent
ness. Then he shifted sullenly upon
his feet.
II have no reply to make to that
question at present"
l signaled TO LeDuc. who instantly
caught the cue. But perhaps II the
young lady would pardon us ne
murmured with a courteous bow to
Clare. She arose upon the instant,
and CHANGING neither TO right nor lett,
passed into my uncle's apartments,
while Bruce glooming after her with
frightened lips moved no muscle. AS
the door closed behind her | made an
other effort in his behalf
81 wish you would be reasonable IN
this matter, Bruce. You ought to
know that you can trust us implicitly
when I give you my word as now do.
If you have any reason--any mans
reason-to think that your where
abouts last night if known to Clare
would distress her, Mr.. LeDuc and
will bind ourselves upon our honor to
keep your communication confidential.
Later on you make such explanation
to her as you may desire, but in view
of certain statements which you made
to me it is necessary that our mutual
friend here should know where you
spent the night. Will you tell u.s.
A pale glow of passion, phosphores-
cent like, appeared deep behind his
eyes and he answered me doggedly,
almost detiantly.
"No. 1t is matter which at pres.
ent concerns only myself. Nor do
understand your insinuations when
you say it is for my own good that l
make confidants Of you. What do
you mean by such attempted intimlda'
tiOn?"
Ignoring the gathering storm, I an
swered him in a calm tone:
Bruce, / trust you implicitly and
tell you now that it would take moth
ing less than a bombshell Of absolute
proof to shatter that belief. That be-
ing the case, when assure you that
l have reason to believe that it is for
your own good TODD so, think you
might honor lie with your confidence.
Along that same line l am going to
ask you another question. Do you OBJ
ject to showing lis the contents of
your pockets-everythingo' He turned
a dull red, seemed about to explode
with the heat of his passion, and then
growing suddenly cold bowed .frigidlys
and began laying before us the con-
tents of his clothes. 1t was the u.s.
ual miscellaneous assortment of
mans personal carvings. and when
he had finished glance told us that
the object for which we were search
ing was not among them
"The pockets of your overcoat,
please" purred LeDuc. With hooking
elaboration Bruce began turning the
folds and crevices Of that garment
inside out. Nothing Of interest was
exposed to us, and when he had I'm
ished we sat cycling each other with
silent lips. broke the hush.
Bruce, you had key to the house
yesterday. You pounded upon the
table with 1t as we sat together down.
town and then put it back in your
side overcoat pocket. I noticed it
distinctly. Now Clare's key has dis
appeared and it is impossible for US
to overlook the coincidence. Where
did YOU get the one Won had and