Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1913-06-26

you understand, or course, tnat I've
only recently been associated witt
Mr. Argyle. and he didn't consult mt
about everything, but naturally maj
OF his many interests must have made
enemies"
Bruce had been walking impatiently
about the room while this converse
ton took place, and he now came for
ward
"Mr. Kayton," he said desperately
'you may not be able to prove who
did this. Well be satisfied II you'll
only prove that Miss Mazuret didn't"
WELL" replied the detective grave
ly, "the best way to prove who didn't
kill your father Is TO prove who did
kill him Is this Miss MasuretY
A tall. slender girl with great masses
Of deep brown hair and great dark
serious eyes came slowly into the room.
Her clearly cut, oval face was as white
as her negligee gown, and she was
plainly struggling TO keep her compo-
sure.
YES" she said. "Mr. KaytonT
Yes" he replied with bow. Bruce
went swiftly to her and put his arm
about her
You oughtn't TO be down here,
Mary" he reproached tenderly, with
the air OF an affectiOnate big brother
There's no need for it. You look aw-
fully i'll, Mary It's too much for you
Please go back"
81 sent for Miss Mazuret," interpos-
ed Kayton quietly, his gaze on the
girls pale face.
But Mr.. Kayton." protested Bruce
you don't understand, It's too much
10 ask her to come down here It's the
first time the room has been opened
since
mo, no, Bruce" the girl interrupted
gently; "it's all right now, pleased
Il should like to have a talk with
Miss Mazuret alone If you don't mind"
said Kayton In the same quiet tones,
addressing the two men. But young
Argyle was in open rebellion.
She's had enough to bearr he de-
clared angrily. "I'm not going to have
her put through any third degreew
The detectives lips came together In
a razorlike line.
Just a moment. Mr.. Argyle" he
said icily. Before we go any further
with this investigation | want you to
understand clearly that | am In sole
charge of it.
This Is nonsense, Brucew exclaim-
ed Mr.. Hurley, coming forward. "Mr.
Kayton has got to question Miss Mazu-
ret If he's going to be Of any help to
her or to US. Come along with me-"
But the young man refused to bulge
MARY, don't you want me to stay
here with your" he asked. The girl
took his arm and gently pushed him
toward the door
mo, no; thank you, Bruce" she re-
piled steadily. IT'S all right; please
Co."
He led her to a chair and made her
sit In 1t and then reluctantly allowed
Hurley TO lead him out
Kayton sighed YEARLY, drew up q
chair near to the girls and sat down.
Miss Mazuret," he said gently In
his most courteous manner. II can IN
derstand that this affair has been q
great shock to you. And you feel the
loss Of Mr.. Argyle probably more than
any one. don't need to say that !
sympathize with you thoroughly and
that l don't want to do anything or
ask anything that will distress you.
But murder has been committed,
and If I am going to clear up these
suspicious l must have the co-opera-
ton Of everybody in the house and es-
pecially YOU"
Eyes, yes" exclaimed the girl, with
pathetic eagerness that stirred the
man beneath the experts professional
exterior. II want to do everything
anything can"
He nodded and smiled gratefully.
Nov, let's see," he began In the
friendliest tone. where were you
bornT
"In San Francisco" replied Miss
Mazuret. She began to feel strangely
Mt home with this masterful stranger.
EDO you remember your mother?"
ANOs ohC blOOh lIcl uCuu. uOI
remember either my father or my
mother very well. was too young
when they died"
"And you have no relativesT'
There was moving quality Of sym
PATTY In the gentle voice.
"None that I ever heard Of"
"There is no one who would inherit
this money from you or have any 9th
or reason for wishing you to get itT
"Oh, nor gasped the girl, Mortified
at the thought.
"Did Mr. Argyle ever object to your
intimacy with any friends?"
"Why," said the girl wonderingly,
"our life was so retired met hardly
any one"
mo man wished to marry your"
"Oh, nor was the quick reply. And
Kayton vaguely wondered why he
should have felt a sense of personal
relief. "Mr. Argyle wanted Bruce to-
to-" she went on with hesitation. "but
we couldn't. That was impossible |
vry-