The Washington times., 1913-10-16

<(~ o that i might know her exact
position in the household
whether that of mere friend
or almost one of the family.
You see, ! wish to be able to
question her later about Mrs. Van Rens-
selaer herself, and / wanted TO make no
mistake"
Before Robin could reply a slight bus
tie In the hall. together with the sound
OF several voices in earnest but low
toned conversation, proclaimed the re-
appearance Of the doctor and Madge,
who had accompanied him.
Freddie deferred the continuance of
his Interrogation until later time, and
the two men went to hear the report
of Dysart's condition.
II was most reassuring on the whole.
Mr.. Van Rensselaer, had received a ter
rifle nervous shock, the sudden reaction
of which had produced a state of ex-
IRENE prostration. He had been with
out difficulty placed under an opiate.
He should be kept very quiet through
out the. day and night, and on the fol-
lowing morning he would in all prob
ability awaken very much weakened,
but in entire possession of his full men,
tai faculties.
And now concluded the doctor.
turning TO Robin, IF you will take me
70 the room where Mrs. Van Rensselaer,
net her death / viii make al eXamina
ton of the body and be prepared with
my report for the coroner when he ar
rives."
They were halfway UP the stairs
when Madge remembered and called to
them from below.
Mr. Yorke has the key-some one
must find him before you can enter
She paused. The door of the bed room
above had opened. and Franklin Yorke
stood on the threshold holding gingerly
between his fingers square white en-
velope.
There is Mr. Yorke now supple
Il am Robin Van Rensselaer,, Mr..
Yorke. This is Doctor Wheeler, for
whom I had gone when you arrived.
am glad you found it possible to un-
spoke quietly, but a world of interroga-
ton and anxiety was manifest in his
Eaggard face.
"The doctor wishes to make his ex-
Animation of the body now. Perhaps
Seu would like to be with him?"
Il should very much like to be pres
ent II the doctor has no objection. He
can clear up one or two points for me.
ence and condescension which left the
practitioner slightly disconnected. He
bowed graciously. however.
Il shall be happy TO give Mr.. Yorke
any assistance In my power; he said
company us, Mr.. Rensselaer,
No. ] will wait for you below, II
do not wish TO enter that room again;
/ cannot" Robin turned his face away
for a moment and there was a pause
before he spoke again, but when he did
his voice was steady and controlled.
You will, ] am sure be able to con-
duct your examination to better ad
vantage if none of the family is pres
ent-"
Thank you, think it would be best
We shall not be long the doctor re-
piled, and the two men turned to the
Wioe white door, while Robin slowly de-
scended the stairs
1t seemed as if hours passed while
the anxious, grief-stricken little group
fingered in the hall below, waiting TO
know the meaRer, gruesorne details
which could be gathered for them by the
TWO professional men upstairs
They ceased to talk-their nerves had
reached too high a tension. chance
remark, an incautious display OF emo
ton, and Lucille would have been
plunged in hysteria. Only Madge sat
immovable, her dry bright eyes gIeam-
ing in her wan face. And Freddie
watched her with unvarying intentness.
Finally, after an almost interminable
interval. Franklin Vorke appeared alone
AT the head of the stairs.
Can you tell us anything" cried
Robin, springing from his chair
The crime was committed some time
between and o'clock this morning"
Yorke replied as he came toward them.
The doctor estimates it approx
mateIy that from the present condition
Of the body. although 1t may have taken
place a little before that time The
weapon has not been discovered
He looked steadily at Madge as he
spoke, and she returned his gaze i'm
InUvably
And the murderer-have you found
any clues ~ Robin asked eagerly.
There are some evident traces. of
course. but | cannot say definitely now
IN what direction they may lead.
rime of this sort, once committed. re
Ieats itself invariably i'll all its sur
rpundings."
Lucille covered her face with her
lands. and q slight tTemor shook
Madge's quiet figure from head to foot
is there nothing more you can tell
us-nothing definite? I cont want to be
importunate. but, good Cod man, you
can see how NC arc suffering -