Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1914-09-16

'That is ALL" said Kent.
Relief clamored within Sedgwtck for
expression. He began to laugh in
short choking spasms.
"Quiet!' warned Mr.. Blair, in a bro
ken tone Of appeal. You've found out
the secret God knows what you'll
do with it. But there are innocent
people in the house. What is this mat
Ter? Blackmail?'
Kent's face withdrew, as it were, be-
hind his inscrutable half smile.
"Peace. If you WILL said he. "A truce
at least"
II should like to know just how
much you KNOW
IAN offer. l will tell you whenever
you are ready to tell me all that you
know. l think we are mutually in
need OF each other"
Il wish you were at the bottom of
that pit" retorted the other grimly
"You and your scoundrel Of friend
with you.''
'sThank you for myself" said Sedg-
wick. IF you were twenty years
younger l would break every bone in
your body for that
STEADY, Frank" put in Kent Judge
no man by his speech who has been
through what Alexander Blair has
been through tonight Mr.. Blair" he
added. you've refused my offer. 1t
is still open. And as an extra l will
undertake for Mr.. Sedgwick and my
self that this nights affair shall be
Kept secret. And. now, the next thing
is to cover the evidence. Spades,
Frank
The two men took up their TOOLS
I'm spell you" said Alexander
Blair. and they hurriedly reinterred
the sack of clean sand which bore the
name Of Wilfrid Blair.
And now" said Chester Kent, pet
ting his blistered palms as the last
shovelful Of dirt was tamped down.
'I'll take you back with me, Mr.. Sher-
if, to Sedgwick's place and do the
best l can for you till the morning.
About 6 o'clock We'll find you uncon-
scious below the cliffs where you fell
in the darkness. Eh?'
Despite his pain the sheriff grinned.
II guess that's as good as the next
| he," he acquiesced. You fight fair,
| professor"
'Then answer me q fair question.
What were you doing at Hedgerow
house tonight"
why. you see.' drawled the Off
cial, Il saw you fshin' that stream,
and it come to my mind that you was
castin' around for more than trout
that wasn't there. But | didn't hard
~ think you'd come so soon, and /
was asleep when the noise of the
spade on the coffin woke me-
bad work and clumsy" commented
Kent, with scoWl. Come along.
can sit on the floor. Good night, Mr.,
Blair. All aboard. Frank"
There was no answer.
what became Of Sedgwick?" de.
manded Kent.
| HE was here half a minute ago
I'll swear to that" muttered the sher-
if.
Kent stared anXiously about him
Frank, Frankv' he called half under
his breath.
Not too loud" besought Alexander
Blair.
The clouds closed over the moon.
Somewhere in the open twig cracked.
Sedgwick had disappeared.
Hope had surged up sudden and
fierce in Sedgwick's heart at the CLEAN
Of candle in Hedgerow house. Silent
~ he laid his revolver beside his spade
and slipped into the shadows.
He heard Kent's impatient query
He saw him as he picked up the re-
linquished weapon and examined it.
and, estimating the temper of his
friend, was sure that the scientist
would not stop to search for him. In
this he was right. Taking the sheriff
by the arm. Kent guided him through
the creek and into the darkness be-
yond. Mr.. Blair, walking with heavy
steps and fallen head, made his way
back to the house. Sedgwick heard
the door close behind him. A light
shone for a time in the second story
1t disappeared. With infinite caution
Sedgwick made the detour, gained the
rear of the house, and skirting the
north wing. stepped forth in the bright
moonlight, the prescience Of passion
throbbing wildly in his breast.
She sat at the window, head high tt
him, powered in roses. Her face was
turned slightly away. Her long, FINE
hands lay. inert. on the sill. He
face, purity itself in the pure moon
light, seemed dimmed with WEAKNESS
and strain. a flower glowing through
a mist
With a shock Of remembrance thai
was almost grotesQue, Sedgwick real
lied that he had no name by which
to call her. So he called her by tn
name that is Loves own
She did not change her posture Blu
her lips parted. Her lids dropped ant
uuivered. She was as one in Lowell,
dream.
He stepped toward her and spok
again.
Your she cried. and her voic
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