The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1914-06-30
CHAPTER XVI.

CHAPTER XVI.
 Chance Sits In. ~ UT case at his side Chester Kent
 stood on the platform of the
 Martfndale Center station wait
 ing for the morning train to Bos- ton Before him paced Sedgwick. with face of storm.
 .sThis is something must do for my self. 2 the artist declared. tChet, I must see her again, pleaded Sedg wick T must s.Exhibit that tact and delicacy which. you displayed at your last meet woman to marry you on the day of her husband's burfal!@
 t'It wasn't her husbands burial
 She supposed it was
 Sedgwick checked his nervous pac- ing. Do you think so7 You believe she wasn't party to that ghastly fraud 7''
 s"Certainly not She attended the funeral ceremony in good faith. In my belief the real circumstances of Blair's death are as unknown to her as they are to- to you-''
 Assuming always that he is dead. Your confidence being so sound. 1t must be based on something. How did he come to his deal 2? If knew that shouldn't be going to Boston to consult an astTOloger- And you
 II am going back to Hedgerow house. concluded the artist obsti- 1sately.
 Do you know Room 571 at the Tuyrie?'' asked Kent abruptly.
 .sNo. Yes: I do too
 s.Walk up to the hotel Give this card to the clerk Get the key. Go 10 that room at once. Lie down on your back with your eyes open and think for one hour by. the watch If at the end of that time you still be- iIeve you're right go ahead Will you do it7''
 s.Agreed. It's bargain. But it won't change my mind"
 "A bargains a bargain. It won't need to- said Kent coolly By that time. if have any understanding of MT. Alexander Blair, he will have put your lady of mystery on the morning train which leaves for Boston by one Of the other roads If not, why, you may take your chance
 -aTickledl', said Sedgwick Well. I owe you too much to go back on my agreement But-see here, Kent. She's going to Boston You're going to Bos- ton You can easily find out where the Blatrs live Go to her for me and fnd''-
 "Heaven forbidr cried Kent piousIy.
 eWhy7''
 ssHaven't I told you that I am a i tiInid creature and especially about fe males? Over seventy like lem, and under seven love 'ern- Between I shun lem I'll do anything for you but that, my boy, he concluded as the | train came rumbling in.
 saThen II shall have to follow and look her up myself, returned his friend ''l'll wire you before come Goodby.''
 By the way, said Kent, leaning out from the car step upon which he had swung himself don't be disturb ed if you miss that dra wing which we bought from Elder Dennett at bar gain.
 Miss. it? Why, where is it2''
 .-Tn my suit case.''
 whats 1t doing there9'
 'sWhy. you see, if ft's sketch for a finished portrait by Elliott, as sus- pect, some of the art5peop1e in Boston 1 might recognize it Good luck! hope not to see you soon-too soon, that isr' i Chance and a deranged railway schedule conspired against the peace of mind of the shy and shrinking Kent Outside. of Boston a few miles is a junction and crossing. Here Rents train was held up by some minor ac- cident- Here, too, the train from the north on the other road stopped for orders Thus it was that Kent, step l ping out to take the air, found himself looking into an open Pullman window at woman's face framed in deepest black
 s.Adrs. Blair.'
 For once in his life Chester Rents controlled tongue had broken the leash EmmediateIy he would have given considerable sum of money to recall his inpulsive exclamation. He was in an agony of -shyness- But it was too late. The girlish face turned j ttI beg p-p-pardon,r stuttered the man sAre you MT. Blair? I'm Mrs Kent" | At this astonishing announcement, amusement gieamed in the woman's eyes and gave delicate up twist to the. corners of the soft mofith-
 .I don't recognize you in your pres ent attire, Mrs, Kent, she murmured
 No. Of course not II-meant to say-that is, you know''- Kent gath cred his forces, resolved desperately to see it through now. There are things want to speak to you about. wish 1 10 get on your car.' %Certainly not replied she decisive y. 'I do not know you.''
 T am friend of Francis Sedg- wick. Try to believe me when tell you that wish only to save both of you misunderstanding and suffering needless misunderstanding and suffer ing. !" he added.
 Tt is too late" she said hopelessly
 Nov, what cock and bull story has Alexander Blair told her?" Kent de- manded of his mind. How much does