The Lamar register., 1914-07-15


through my veins Wild words Ieaped
to my lips. only to be choked back IN
spoken. although I scarcely knew what
strength combined to win the swift
struggle. Impulse. made with sudden
revelation of love. swept me perilOus-
ly near to outburst. yet reason held
sufficiently firm to restrain the flood OF
passion knew | must refrain;
read II in the calm depths Of those
eyes fronting me In frank friendship.
word. a single. mad. III considered
word would sever the bond between
u as though cleft by a sword. With
any other I might have dared ALL but
not with her. She trusted me-yes!
But as gentleman. Should ] fail In
that test OF her faith l could never
again hope to regain my place In her
esteem.
Lets not talk Of ourselves said,
releasing her hands. but Of what we
must face here. 1 have told you that
Coombs claims to be working under
the orders of your husband Il that
possibleT'
II cannot conceive clearly how Il
could be, and yet he might have re-
ceived notice Of his fathers death In
time to assume control Of the estate BY
telegraph or even BY letter."
II hardly think COombs has been
here 80 short a time
He might have been the old over
seer. however. and retained"
True. Yet how could Philip Henley
know that he had inherited the prop
erty?-
She thought q moment seriously. q
little crease in the center Of her fore
head.
"Of course I can only guess" she
hazarded at length, but 1t would seem
likely he was notified Of bis fathers
death by one of the administrators
his Inheritance. He was the only son.
and there were no other near relatives.
It would be only natural for him to
retain the old servants until he could
come hero and select Others" .
There II only one fact which op-
poses your theory" I acknowledged,
otherwise I would accept 1t as my
own also. Coombs plainly threatened
to confront you with Henley to test
your claim to being his wife"
Even that would not be impossi-
ble." she admitted reluctantly. "for
he must have known Of the judges
death even before-before l left. Only
l do not believe 1t probable. as he was
in no condition to travel and had very
little money. Besides" her voice
strengthening with conviction. those
men who sent you here. Neaie and
Vail, would never have ventured such
a scheme had they been uncertain as
to Philip Henley's helpIessness. 1 BE-
lieve he Is either in their control or
else dead
Then Coombs lied"
Perhaps. although still another sup
position Is possible. Some one else
may claim to be the heir
This was a new theory and one not
SO unreasonable as it appeared at first
thought Still 1t was sufficiently i'm
probable. SO that dismissed 1t with
out much consideration. She apparent
ly read this in my face.
ut is all cropping In the dark until
we learn more" she went on slowly
Have you decided what you mean
to do?"
only indefinitely. l want to make
careful exploration Of the house and
grounds by daylight This may reveal
something of value. Then We will go
into Carrollton before dark. | cannot
consent to your remaining here an
other night after what has occurred.
Besides. we should consult a lawyer
the best we can Finland then proceed
under his advice. Do you agree?"
Certainly; and how can I be Of as
sistancer'
"If you could go back to the house
and keep Sallie busy in the kitchen for
an hour: hold her there at something
30 as to give me free range Of the
house."
with Sallier' She lifted her hands
In aversion. ut doesn't seem as though
I could stand that. But" she added,
rising resolutely to her feet, Il will II
you wish it OF course ought to do
what little can. Why. what is this
q seal ring?"
She stopped and picked the article
up from the door out Of a litter Of
dead leaves and held It to the light be-
tween her fingers. A. she gaxed her