The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1914-01-02

arrested him.
then. who d,l shoot Griggs? We've
got every one of the gang. They're
all crooks See here" he went on.
with n sudden change To the respectful
In his manner. why don't you start
fresh? I'll give you every chance In
the world I'm dead on the level with
you this time"
BY now Mary had herself well In
hand again vastly ashamed Of the
short period of self betrayal caused 10y
tue officials artitice against her heart.
As she listened 10 the inspectors as
surances. the knocking expression OF
her face was not encouraging To that
aStute individual. but he persevered
manfully.
Just you wait" he went on cheer
fully. "and III prove To you that I'm
OH the level about this. that I'm really
your friend. There was n letter came
for you to your apartment My men
brought Il down To me. I've read II.
Here II is Ill read il to your
lie picked up an envelope. which had
been lying ON the desk. and drew out
the single sheet Of paper II contained
Mary watched him. wondering much
more than her expression revealed over
this new development. Then. us she
listened quick interest touched her
features tO new life.
This was the letter:
can't go without telling you how sor-
ry I am There won't never be a time
that I won't remember u was me got you
sent up: that YOU did time In my place.
I amt going to forgive myself ever. and
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.
AIary's eyes were luminous In the
joy. uf the rea lization that for her. after
all. rehabilitation might he In "a mea-
sure possible. though nothing could
ever repay the degradation of years
infinitely worse than lost.
Burke's harsh voice. cadenced TO n
singular sympathy. broke In 0l her
reverie Of pleasure and of pain.
You knew tbis?' he inquired.
Yes. two days ago"
Ibid you tell old Gilder?" ne asked
Mary shook her head In negation.
What would he the use?" she re-
minded him. II had no proof. No
one world believe me-
They'd believe this. Why. this lot
ter sets you clear. IL old Glider should
see this letter. there's nothing he
wouldn't do To- make amends to you.
He's square guy himself IT II comes
90 that. even liz me was hard on you.
Why. this letter wipes out everything. :"
Then. the insistent question: beating
at bis 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 bis
own intrigue against her.
Say" lac said and. for once. his
voice was ciirlousIy suppressed. "you
tell me who shot Griggs. and I'll show
this letter 10 old Glider. Now. listen"
he cried eagerly. II give you my word
Of honor that anything you say In here
IN just between you and me-" Uncon-
sciously his eyes darted to the window,
behind which the stenographer was
busy with bis notes
That single involuntary glance was
enough for the keen instinct Of the
woman 10 make guess ms to the
verify.
Just tip me OF TO the truth" Burke
went on ingratiatingly. and 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 wise!"
Are you sure no one will ever
KNOW
Nobody but you ava me- Burke
declared. nlI agog with anticipation of
victory at last Il give you my word."
Mary met the gaze Of the Inspector
fully. In the same instant. she iinslied
'vn him a siuile TINT was dazzling. the
smile or woman triumphant IN her
mastery Of the situation. Her face
was radiant. luminous with honest
mlrth.
She spoke ia a most casual voice,
- n IS.