Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1913-01-09
CHAPTER x-fcontinuedl.

81 saw Hugh Crandall leaving this
house not ten minutes ago." said.
Really"
though she tried to make it sound nat
ural.
1T was he who broke open your
desk" I cried He wanted to regain
possession of that scrap Of paper and
thus remove all evidence of his guilt"
4 am afraid" said Louise with the
manner of offended dignity, that you
are entirely mistaken. / was not
aware that you knew Mr.. Crandall by
sight"
If that wasn't Hugh Crandall who
came out Of your house just now, who
was it," l asked, my anger at this
man whom I believed responsible for
the chain OF evil getting the better
Of me. Il don't know Crandall, but |
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 I helped drag from the
park lake a fifth victim, a poor young
girl, driven to death by another of his
accursed yellow letters. / found the
fragments of it, water-soaked and illeg-
ible, in the lake"
Mr.. 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
tiers | 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 l
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 q 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 it shook
with sobs, trying to make up my mind
what to do. My heart babe me prom
Use her anything. everything if it
would bring her peace of mind, yet
my brain told me that it was best for
her. best for every one, if l should go
ahead as my friend, the inspector.
had advised.
Louise" | began, trying to keep
my voice steady, IF you will answer
he one question"
Don't, Harding, please don't" she
sobbed, lifting her tear-stained face
10 me in entreaty. You mustn't You
mustn't ask me any questions. If you
love me, please do just as l say"
Louise" I replied almost sternIy,
you are not yourself Can't you rely
on me? Can't you trust me? Don't
YOU know that l 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 it
strayed from under her automobile
bonnet AS she lay unresistiing in my
arms her sobs decreased and she be
came calmer.
My darling" l said, Il know that
Hugh Crandall has been here. 1 feel
that he has been influencing you
against me. Won't you do what your
heart bids you and tell me every
thing about it,"
She drew a long deep breath and
gently freed herself from my encir-
cling arms and facing me looked AZ
me with firm resolution written all
over her lovely face
You must do what I tell you,
can answer no questions / wish I
could, but I can't. You mustn't ask
NE. 1t isn't my secret.
The car is waiting, Miss Louise, .
As the maids voice interrupted she
gave a start. and reaching her hands
out impulsively to ne. in more like