New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-09-13
CHAPTER XIV

Il
n started. but before she could move the door swung
omen far enough to admit Craven, and was at once
slammed behind him.
A pace or two from the wall the man pulled up and
stared at his daughter. his face dark with temper.
Slowly lydia rose and confronted him, hard eyes
challenging his rccntlessly
"What's this. he demanded abruptly in an ugly
voice "what's this | hear about your bringing Peter
Trait here in a tax!'
aWha does this mean the girl rctortcd, "tha you
send me here to be locked up, as though were thcl
to be held for the police
He ignored if he was sensible to, the stressed pro.
noun 81 want answer to my question, ne Saio
thrcatcningly.
81 demand an answer to mine" She returned, I'M
yielding.
With an impatient gesture Craven advanced as II
meaning to seize her and enforce obedience But nall
way he paused let his hand fall with obvious effort re-
Taxed; mustered Pickering and uncertain smile meant
TO be ingraiating; moderated his tone. "Oh, come
now" he said in strained indulgence we can 80 OH
forever quarrcling, you and !. Liddy
Il agree" she replied coolly Any explanation you
can make
ITS all mistake Mrs. Ellsworthy, most Jealous
woman in-ah-our service, msnterprcted my mes
SAGE. believed it imperative YOU should be detained
and when YOU showed temper committed an unpar-
donablc error. I'll she apologies; meantime l.
your father express my sincere regret
Briefly lydia analvzcd words and tone. and found
both hollow with insincerity She shook her head
YEARLY "You'rc not telling me the truth I've learned
too well to know when YOU c-inventing II you mean
what you say you wish to prove you ddnt instruct
that woman lock me up, open that door and let me
leave this house at once.
Craven sighed shrugged tolcrantly. "Ncry well, he
agreed "I'vc no wish dctain you. Just one thing
and well go together Be good enough to give me
that puzzle box
"No," lydia cried out in round full voice.
NO"
whats that" he said ncrcdulous
81 said no, Lydia told him. Il will not give you the
puzzle box 1t belongs to Mrs. Mcrrilccs.
In a breath his face was suffused with blood. $50
that's your style is ," he stormcd advancing well,
we'll have this out here and now. my lady I'm your
father ORDER command you to hand over that
box! Unless, OF course, you prefer me TO take / by
force"
He had come within two feet, was mcnacing her with
face and gestures OF uncomfortable wrath But she
didn't yield a step.
You can't" she said evenly
What the devils to PREVENT
"Bccausc Mrs Mcrriccs has il now"
THE man fell back as though She had raised shape
Of horror between them; stammcring and agfa't
he abbcrci repetition. Mrs McrrilccS has it-now
LYDIA affirmed with nod.
Good Cod" said Craven in stricken voice You
---you're not oolng me, Llddy?
I'm telling YOU the truth, ii you've the wit to rc.S
nzc il She said with the brutal intolerance Of youth or
age allied with depravty Sheer chance fooled YOU My
cab broke down at 10Th street. walked two blocks
north to get another at the Margrayc where Mrs
Mcrriccs itdyni stopping and where you ddHf mean
to meet me after III called hcrc-and by downright
good luck found her with Mrs BcggarStaf. So gave
her the nee klacc and came here Trait cscorting
me- though not At my request.
Good Cod" SAID Craven again his accents qia'cr-
ing "Do YOU know what you're saying, Lddy'
I'm afraid know too we'll