The Emmett index. [volume] (Emmett, Idaho) 1893-1925, 1914-01-15

Mary watched him. wondering much
more than her expression revealed over
this new development. Then. AZ she
listened. quick interest touched her
features to new life.
This was the letter:
can't go without telling you how sor-
ry 1 am There won't never be a time
that won't remember It was me got you
sent up; that you did time In my place
1 amt going TO forgive myself ever. and j
swear I'm going straight always. Your
true friend HELEN MORRIS.
For once, Burke showed certain
delicacy. When he had finished the
reading, he said nothing for long
minute
Mary's eyes were luminous in the
joy of the realization that for her. after
ALL rehabilitation might be in mea-
sure possible though nothing could
ever repay the degradation of years
infinitely worse than lost.
Burke's harsh voice. cadenced to
singular sympathy. broke in on her
reverie of pleasure and of pain
You knew this?'' be inquired
"Yes. two days ago"
did you tell old Gilder?" be asked.
Mary shook her head in negation.
What would be the use?" she re-
minded him. Il had no proof. No
one would believe me-"
They'd believe this. Why. this let
ter sets you clear If old Glider should
see this letter. there's nothing be
wouldn't do to make amends to you.
He's a square guy himself. If it comes
to that. even If he was hard on you.
Why. this letter wipes out everything"
Then. the insistent question beating
at his brain forced him TO speak
roughly, building hope on the letters
inestimable worth to the woman be-
fore him
who killed Griggs?"
There was no reply. And. presently,
he went on. half ashamed over his
own intrigue against her.
Say" he said. and for once, his
voice was curiousy suppressed. you
this letter TO old Glider. Now. listen"
he cried eagerly Il give you my word
of honor that anything you say in here
is just between you and me" Uncon
sciously his eyes darted to the window.
behind which the stenographer was
busy with his notes.
That single involuntary glance was
enough for the keen instinct of the
woman to make guess as to the
verify.
Just tip me off to the truth" Burke
went on overwhelmingly. land I'll get
the necessary evidence in my own
way. Now. there's nobody here but
just you and me. Come on. now-put
me wiser
Are You sure no one will ever
know"
Nobody but you and me-" Burke
declared. all agog with anticipation of
victory at last II give you my wordl'
Mary met the gaze of the inspector
fully In the same instant, she flashed
on him "a smile that was dazzling the
smile of woman triumphant in her
mastery of the situation Her face
was radiant. luminous with honest
mirth.
She spoke in most casual voice.
despite the dancing delight in her face.
The tones were drawled in the mat
ter of fact fashion of statement that |
leads listener TO answer without |
heed TO the exact import of the ques-
ton. unless very alert indeed. This
is what she said:
I'm not speaking loud enough. am !
|. stenagrapher?
And that industrious writer OF short |
hand notes. absorbed in his task.
answered instantly from his hidden
place in the corridor.
mo. ma'am. not qnite '
him, as his thoughts held mistakenly
to the catastrophe that threatened. His
intelligence was too keen to permit
belief that Burke's manner of almost
fulsome kindness bid nothing omin-
ous-ominous with hint of death for
him in return for the death be had
Then. terror crystallized. His eyes
were caught by figure. the figure of
Cassidy. advancing there in the cor
ridor. And with the detective went
man whose gait was sinking. craven.
A cell door swung open. the prisoner
stepped within. the door changed to.
the bolts shot into their sockets noisily. /
Carson sat huddled, stricken-for he
had recognized the victim thrust into
the cell before his eyes. 1t was Dacey,
one of his own cronies In crime
Dacey. who. the night before. had seen
him kill Eddie Griggs. There was
concretely sinister to Gar
son in this fact of Dacey's presence
here in the cell.
OF sudden the forger cried out rau-
cously:
Say. inspector. if you've got any
hing on me. III would The cry
lropped into unintelligible mumblings.
Burke retained his manner Of serene
Indifference to the others agitation.
still. his pen hurried over the paper
md he did not trouble to look up as
lie expostulated. half banteringly.
NOW, now. What's the matter with
you. Joe? | told you that | wanted to
lsk you a few questions. That's ALL"
But. after moment. Garson's emo
ion forced him to another appeal.
"Say inspector"- he began