Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1912-03-16

possession of that scrap Of paper and
thus remove all evidence of his guilt
''I am afraid" said Louise with the
manner of offended dignity, that you
are entirely mistaken. I was not
aware that you know Mr.. Crandall by
sight" 81 ~.
IF that wasn't Hugh Crandall who
came out of your house just now who
was it?'' ! asked, my anger at this
man whom believed responsible for
the chain of evil getting the better Of
me. II don't know Crandall, but /
know the evil he is responsible for,
for the tragedy of your sister, tho
plight Of your father the suicide OF
old Andrew Elser, the suicide Of that
poor woman out in Ardway. Why, not
an hour ago helped drag from the
park lake a fifth victim, poor young
girl, driven to death by another of his
accursed yellow letters. l found the
fragments Of it, water-soaked and ille-
gible, in the lake"
"Mr. Kent" interrupted Louise,
"you were kind enough to undertake
mission on my behalf and l apprec-
late it greatly. Certain circumstances
have ar:sen that have entirely altered
matters. called you up last night and
asked you to drop all investigations.
You have said that you love me. By
that love you say you hold me for |
now ask you, no-more-I order you
to make no further attempts to solve
this mystery - please, Harding,
please" ...r
Her voice broke, and with one last
gesture Of appeal she flung herself
into chair and covered her face with
her hands
Perplexed beyond measure at the
turn affairs had taken, with my heart
aching with sympathy for her, stood
watching her slender form as it shook
with sobs trying to make up my mind
what to do. My heart babe me prom
Use her anything, everything, if 1t
would bring her peace of mind, yet
my brain told me that 1t was best for
her best for every one, If should go
ahead as my friend, the inspector, had
advised.
Louise began, trying to keep my
voice steady, IF you will answer me
one question:"
Don't Harding, please DON'T she
sobbed, lifting her tear-stained face to
me in entreaty. You mustn't. You
mustn't ask me any questions. If you
love me, please do just as I say"
Louise" replied ALMOST stermly,
you are not yourself. Can't you rely
on me?' Can't you trust me? Don't
you know that will do nothing that is
not for the best?'
gathered her into my arms and
held her close I pressed my lips
against her fragrant hair where it
strayed from under her automobile
bonnet. AS she lay unresisting in my
arms her sobs decreased and she be-
came calmer. XXX.
my darling" said, II know that
Hugh Crandall has been here. l feel
that he has been influencing you
against me. Won't you do what your
heart bids you and tell me everything
about it?''
She drew a long deep breath and
gently freed herself from my encircl-
ing arms and, facing me, looked at
me with firm resolution written all
over her lovely face.
"You must do what I tell you
can answer no questions. I wish, I
could, but l can't. You mustn't ask
me. 1t isn't my secret"
"The car is waiting, Miss Louise
AS the maids voice interrupted she
gave start, and reaching her hands
out .impulsiyely to me, in more like
her own dear voice, said to me:
Harding, must go. Please trust me
and please, please, do what ask of
i Is u & q