The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1912-07-07
I I



grand thing it must seem. to defend-as you
think have done-a thief"
"No-you misunderstood me. / was not think
ing of his innocence or guilt when answering you
only your faith in him which has suggested
good deal to my mind. But would you have
drop the CASE" he asked, suddenly, and the pierre
ing glance he cast upon her seemed to drill its
way into her soul.
No. came the firm reply. Not until dooms-
day If needs be-not until you have cleared Mr..
Harringtons name of the blot you have cast upon
Mooney smiled. The question was but me of
the suggestions her attitude had conveyed him,
and with her answer things began to take definite
shape in his mind. The impression is growing
stronger" he said affably Miss Winsow," he
continued, and in his voice there was tinge of
bitterness. Il venture to say, at some time during
tectves are cursed for the things we door CEN
sured for those we fail to do, and at this minute
fancy. you are in the latter class, thinking me
blockhead and SO FORTH" He glanced up and
smiled, but his listener remained silent. Some
times | wonder If the laity ever stop to consider
how we are forced to grovel about in the dark,
grasping at straws like drowning men, often des-
perately snatchng at things to which there isn't
substance enough to hang-and we fail | admit
we make mistakes in little things, but in the long
run we are very sure of ourselves"
Then you admit your error"
mot altogether. Harrington did come here
last night"-he again became the case-hardened
detective-"and you knew he was coming"
Miss Wnslow became suddenly rigid. "How
II didn't until this minute, but it is all need
to know-the rest is easy, though had you told
me at first, it would have spared you unnecessary
pain" He resorted to an old trick that had served
him well; the rest was not easy its intricacy was
maddening. but to hide the lie he spoke slowly
convincingly though with an air of solicitude to
draw draw her out. He was positive that whatever
Harrington had done the night before--she knew
and ne must find out. I'm sorry-very sorry,
but, Of course. there was for your silence
and i is the one thing l cannot grasp"
sns1 IL
hnally she began to wonder at the cleverness Of
the man and stared for some seconds in utter
amazement.
Fathers anger" she breathed dreamily.
why, yes-of course-stupid of men ex-
claimed Mooney and to himself, said, "At last"
Then aloud he continued: "Miss Winslow.I
nave number OF very trying questions to ask
and hope you will pardon me for saying YOU
look too worn and worried to be tortured with
any more of this. Will you please tell Mr.. Har-
rrington ! would like very much to confer with
She lurched forward and clutched at a corner
OF the massive library table, and leaned toward
him. breathing hard. what leads you toto
oeheve know where he ISL" she managed to
Your eyes are so expressive" he replied smil-
! hgy When you were directing his getaway
.rd watched h.n ), yoasaw your glance shoot upward
ha ac told him to go UPSTAIRS
Gracious! ! believe you are a wizard You
say you know what has happened have | your
SxI "o"i '"at you siHcereiy Oelieve tE
You have. he replied promptly.
Then wait" and joyfuy she ran from the
room. 49,
Light was breaking into the darkness. Mooney
dropped into chair and began rapid re-
view of events in the case as they now stood
dividing them into two sets. Harrington
Wnsiow-and the necklace. A pair Of crooks
dynamited safe-and clean job But best of
an-back to the original theory and damnably
clever criminal ."Did Harrington come before
or after the robbery-what the devil kept him
out until three o'clock-and how did the neck
lace get back to the safe" he unused aloud, un-