The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1914-05-14


had not set in. Last night was dark,
of course, as there is no moon, but it
was clear and rather warm for the
time of year. The couple came here
about nine o'clock in high power run
about machine, which the man drove.
They had no hand baggage and appar-
emily had run out from New York
Burton says he was on the point of
refusing them accommodations when
the man handed him hundred-dollar
bill. 1t was more than Burton's Gu
pidity could withstand. They did not
register. The state license numbers
had been removed from the automo-
bile. which was OF foreign make. OF
course it was only question Of time
until we could have found out who
the car belonged to. 1t is perfectly
obvious why he removed the num-
bers"
At this juncture Drake entered the
room. Mrs. Wrandall did not at first
recognize him.
ut has stopped showing" announced
| the newcomer.
ooh, it is Mr.. Drake" she murmured.
I'VE have little French car, painted
red" she announced to the sheriff
without giving Drake another thought.
and this one is red, madam" said
the sheriff, with glance at the coro-
ner. Drake nodded his head. Mrs.
WrandalPs body stiffened perceptibly,
as If DETECTING a blow. cit is still
standing in the garage, where he left
it on his arrival.
did no one see the face of-of the
woman?" asked Mrs. Wrandall, rather
querulously. 1T seems odd that no
one should have seen her face" she
went on without waiting for an an
swer.
TITS not strange, madam, when you
consider all the circumstances. She
was very careful not to remove her
veil or her coat until the door was
locked. That proves that she was not
the sort of woman we usually find gal
lavanting around with men regardless
of-ahem, l beg your pardon. This
must be very distressing to you"
81 am not sure, Mr.. Sheriff, that it is
my husband who lies up there. Please
remember that" she said steadily. "I1
is easier to hear the details now, be
fore 1 know, than it will be afterwart
if it should turn out to be as Mr.
Drake declares"
II see," said the sheriff, marveling
Besides. Mr.. Drake is not positive,
put in the coroner hopefully
II am reasonably certain" sait
Drake.
Then all the more reason why
should have the story first" said she
with a shiver that no one failed to oh
serve.
The sheriff resumed his conclusions
women Of the kind I referred to
moment ago don't care whether theyr,
seen or not In fact, they're rattle
brazen about it. But this one wa
different. She was as far from tina
as it was possible for her to be. w,
haven't been able to find anyone VIII,
saw her face or who can give the leas
, idea as to what she looks like, except
ing general description of her figure
her carriage and the outdoor garment
she wore We have reason to believ
; she was young. She was modesto
, dressed. Her coat was one of thos
heavy ulster affairs, such as a woman
uses in motoring or on a sea voyage
, There was a small sable stole abou
her neck. The skirt was short, an
, she wore high black shoes of tn
' thick walking type. Judging fror
, Burtons description she must hav
! been about your size and figure, Mrt
r toni"
t The innkeeper's wife spoke. Eyes
t Mr.. Harden, I'd say SO myself. Abou
J., FIVE feet six, I'd Judge; rather sli1
7 and graceful like, in spite of the bi
n coat"
q Mrs Wrandall was watching tn
q woman's face. Il am five feet six,
g she said, as If answering question.
y The sheriff cleared his throat SOM
:. what needlessly
K Burton says she acted as If sh
|. were lady" he went on. mot tn
8 kind that usually comes out here O
+ such expeditions, he admits. She di
8 not speak to anyone, except once
g very low tones to the man she wa
It with, and then she was standing b
the fireplace out in the main off1c
|. quite a distance from the desk. Sh
e went upstairs alone, and he gave som
e orders to Burton before following he
q That was the last time Burton sa
# her. The waitress went up with sp
z cially prepared supper about half a
n hour later"
s TT seems quite clear, Mrs. Wra
q dali, that she robbed the man ate
q stabbing him." said the coroner.
r. Mrs. Wrandan started. Then ST
!. was not lady, after ALL" she sal
q quickly There was a note of reli'
l. in her voice. It was as if she ha
q put aside a half-formed conclusion.
g His pockets were empty. Not
k penny had been left. Watch. Gu
q links, scarf pin, cigarette case. purs
" and bill folder-all gone. Burton hs
l, seen most of these articles in tt
o Office"
c. Isn't it-but no! Why should
g be the one to offer a suggestion th
L. might be construed as a defense Il
1T this woman"
IS You we're about to suggest, mada1
D. that some one else might have take
the valuables-is that it," cried Il
n sheriff.
10 Had you thought of 1t, Mr. Sheriff
,r IT had not It isn't reasonable. \
oho nj Ia 1nanootad M