The Springdale news., 1912-10-25

he had entered without her knowl- edge? Was it possible that one of the maids in the Parrish home was in his pay and had permitted him to en- ter without Louise's knowledge? That might explain the rifing of the locked Gesk. The maid might know of Lou se's habit of hiding the key in a vase t began to look as if had a solution ef this new mystery. Yet 1t could hardly be possible for Crandall to have been In the house for fully half an hour without Louise knowing it. Furthermore, why had admittance been denied me when first called?
 T saw Hugh Crandall leaving this 1 house not ten minutes ago." said.
 Really"
 Her tone was cold. hard, forced. though she tried to make it sound nat ural.
 Tt was he who broke open your desk" l cried. "He wanted to regain possession of that scrap of paper and thus remove all evidence of his guilt"
 T am afraid" said Louise with the manner of offended dignity, that you are entirely mistaken. was not aware that ycu knew Mir Crandall by sight"
 If that wasn't Hugh Grandall who came out of your house just now, who sas 1t ?" l asked, my anger at this man whom I believed responsible for the chain of evil getting the better of ne. T don't know Crandall. but l know the evil he is responsible for, for the tragedy of your sister, the plight of your father, the suicide of old Andrew Elser. the suicide of that poor woman out in ArdWay. Why. not an hour ago 1 helped drag from the park lake a fifth victim, a poor young girl, driven to death by another of his aecursed yellow letters. l found the fragments of it, Water-soaked and illeg- ible, in the lake"
 MT. Kent" interrupted Louise, you were kind enough to undertake a mis- sion on my behalf and I appreciate it greatly. Certain circumstances have arisen that have entirely altered mat ters. 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 for me now ask you, no-more-I order you to make no further attempts to solve the mystery-please, Harding, please"
 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 with the turn affairs had taken, with my heart aching with sympathy for her, stood watching her slender form as 1t shook with sobs, trying to make up my mind what to do My heart bade me prom fse her anything. everything If it 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 ne 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 l say"
 Louise, replied almost sternly. 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. l pressed my lips against her fragrant hair where 1t strayed from under her automobile bonnet. AS she lay unresistiing in my arms her sobs decreased and she be- came ealmer.
 My darling" I said, T know that Hugh Crandall has been here I feel that he has been influencing you