The Julesburg grit-advocate., 1913-03-06
CHAPTER x-(contInusd).

7 saw Hugh Crandall leaving this
house not ten minutes ago." I said.
Really"
Her tone was cold, hard. forced.
though she tried to make 1t sound nat.
ural.
1T was he who broke open your
desk" cried. He wanted to regain
possession Of that scrap Of paper and
thus remove all evidence Of hiS guilt" ."
Il am afraid" said Louise with tho
manner Of offended dignity. that you
are entirely mistaken. was not
aware that you knew Mr.. CrandaM by
sisht."
III that wasn't Hugh Crandall who
came out Of your house Just now. who
was 1T" I 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 tho tragedy of your sister. the
plight Of your father. the suicide Of
old Andrew Elser. the suicide Of that
posr woman out in Ardway. Why, not
m hour ago I helped drag from the
park lake fifth victim. . poor young
girl. driven to death by another Of his
accursed yellow letters. l found the
fragments Of it. wster-soaked and illeg-
ible, in the lake"
"Mr. Kent" interrupted Louise, you
were kind enough to undertake a mis-
sion on my behalf and appreciate 1t
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" I"
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 az 1t shook
with sobs. trying to make up my mind
what to do. My heart bade me prom
ise her anything. everything II 1t
would bring her peace of mind, yet
my brain told me that 1t was best for
her. best for every one If l should 20
ahead as my friend, the inspector.
had advised.
Louise" l 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 Rs say"
Louise" l replied almost sternlv.
you are not yourself Can't you rely
on me? Can't you trust me? Don't
you know that will do nothing that
10 not for the best?"
gathered her into my arms and
held her close. pressed my Inns
against her fragrant hair where II
strayed from under her automobile
bonnet. As she lay unresistiing in NV
arms her sobs decreased and she he.
came calmer.
MY darling" I said, II know that
Hugh Crandall has been here. feel
that he has been influencing Won
against me. Won't you do what your
heart bids you and tell me eyerv-
thing about it,"
She drew long deep breath and
gently freed herself from my encir.
cling arms and. facing me, looked at
ne with firm resolution written all
over her lovely face.
You must do what tell you, I
can answer no questions l wish I
could, but l can't. You mustn't ask
ne. 1t isn't my secret
The car is waiting. Miss Louise. ,.
As the maids voice interrupted sha
save a start. and reaching her hand,
st iApulsivsly to me, in more like