The evening world., 1914-11-28
CHAPTER XII.
(Osaslausi,)

(Ceounusd.l
D paused abruptly, conscious
that he was nounderinS
badly. and turned to his
III companion.
Tell them. Blake" he
cemmanded. This thing has got to
b explained. and. afteftall. IT'S your
business. not mine"
"Yes." said Gabrielle, in her most
Nigh and mighty voice; re does sssm
u need explaining"
admired her very much Just then,
for Il u not every woman who oan
leok dignlaed and imposing when On.
vslepsd In . kimono. with q splutter.
ing candle in her hand. and q dearth
Of sti6 pettscoats to sustain her moral
backbone.
Mr.. Blake cast An anxious glance
toward the recess from which he had
emerged.
"One moment" he said. then disap-
poared into the darkness, whence We
plainly heard q subdued whispering.
"Are there moro Of your" demanded
Gabrielle. but with rather . forlorn
auavar In her voice instead Of the
note Of stern interrogation she had
intsnded.
ITS all right" said Gordon Ben
tea. ION my honor. Miss Gabrielle.
re all right
your honori"
had not intended to speak; the
words escaped before I was aware Of
II. He turned and looked at me
steadily. and again I involuntarily
aSertsA my eyes.
.on my honor" he repeated.
"1eow." said Mr.. Blake. returning.
~ 700 viii kindly come up stairA
An ready 70 explain. but fear I
must cause some pain. o. at least q
shoek." -- ...---.
We went up TO the living room.
Elisabeth and I very conscious Of our
dlshabiiis and inclined to shrink into
DART corners, Gabrielle stalking ma
jsstioaliy ON IN front with disgust
and disapprovai written In capital let
tsrs across her back. and indignation
hanging from her shoulder blades.
"walr' she said ooldly. after q
moments silence.
First" said Mr.. Blake, with nots
q calm authority In his voice. II
must ask you to listen to my story
without interruptions. and to accept
for the time being any statements
may make. Later I shall bs In q POSI-
tisn to prove them"
hope 60" murmured Gabrielle,
plainly unimpressed.
Mr.. Blake handed her . chair with
the same careful courtesy which had
hitherto marked his intercourse with
W. and waited until she was seated
before saying anything more.
n do not suppose" he began. In
tie calm. level tone 20 Irritating
wAsn ones excitement 10 at fever
heet, "you will believe me whom
say that Mrs. Bundys smsraids are
in your safe. Please don't take the
trouble to deny II. for ! know an
speaking the truth.
sAiso, wish 10 say that thsy
wses placed there by the woman YOU
have received and entertained ~
Lay Faith Campbell. but who 10 IN
reality . notorious characesr and
badly wanted by the police"
n don't believe It."
"A Was Elisabeth who spoke, aut
heP words were freightsd with SIN
obrs conviction.
~ did not expect you 20. It II
true, nevertheless. This woman II
known ~ Nell Simms, and her O.
rSsr has been marvellous. For soms
years ne wAs-wsll. associated with
aamous criminal named James XII
ssy. VINO gavs the police . Ions
hard chase before his capture. HI
AAA many strings to his bow. mo-
~ least among them ths smuggling
e diamonds and other articles nons
~ honestly acquired; since his A.
Rest this woman has directed TIL
buslnsss. She " elsvsr-woudsrfull!
Ouvsr."
TAsrs was sincere. II unwilling. ad
nlyation In his tone. and hs pause<
tAoughtfully before rssumins hi
06ogy.
: IL hes BEEN my business this sum
nss - leok NJ this matter Of Snug
silnG, ana have followed the his
w It thu woman - closely ~
s6uaa. Aftss the arrest Of her chossz
soupanzon 80 married the man yos
knSw - Lord wiifrid Campbell. whit
y Q wsll.known thief ana . member
g ne small and select band OF SNUG
oouA ~ who u Tar from being q
AsWss - she. He II also the son o.
yUuS essvaAA Mary Anne Brown"
A9ess NJ mind rushed the recol'
0uDo1oo q ~ eonvsrsation had over
6oog1 Asene eellas, and he memoir
To- aAa's yslsa, certain Infections
A~aan - ~ sAs''
I