Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1914-01-11
CHAPTER XXX.
The Ringsi Where arc tho Rtn0ST


TTAD Mr.. Gryce been present, would have
instantly triumphed over my disappoint-
ment bottled up my chagrin. and been
the tnscrutable Amelia Butterworth before he
could say Something has gone wrong with
This womani" But Mr. Gryce was not present,
and though did not betrny the half felt. ]
yet showed enough emotion for Miss Althorpe
TO remark
You seemed surprised by what have told
yen Has anyone said that these two women
were anke7"
Having to speak / became myself again in a
ts1os. and nodded vigorously.
Louise vanBurnam had a sharp chin and a
WY cold blue eye. Yet her face was a fas-
cimtins ono TO some
Wei. It was a dreadful tragedy" observed.
and tried to turn the subject aside. which for
tunats1y was able to do after a SHORT effort.
Then picked the basket UP. and, perceivinE
the sick woman's lips family moving. went
ever to her and found her murmurng to her
ssiE
"vanBurnam!" she saying "vanBur-
nam!- varied by short Howard" ana once
by doubtful Franklin"
"Ah," thought !, with a sudden reaction. "shs
Is the woman seek. II she is not Louise Van
Burnam." And unheeding the start she gave.
pulled OF the blanket had spread over her,
and willy nilly drew off her left shoe and stock
ing
Her bare ankle showed scar. and, cover
ing it quickly up 1 took up her shoe. Imme-
diatey the trepidation she had shown at the
approach of strangers hand toward that ar
ticle of clothing explained In the lining
around the top were sewn bills OF no ordinary
amount and. the other shoe was probably
used as a like depository she naturally felt con-
Germ at any approach which might lead to a
discovery OF her little fortune.
Amazed at a mystery possessing many
points of interest, tucked the shoe in under
the bed clothes and sat down TO review the sit
uation.
The mistake had made was in concluding
that because the fugitive whose traces had
followed had worn the clothes of Louise Van
Burnam, she must necessarily be that unfortu-
nate lady. Now saw that the murdered wom-
was Towards wife after all. and this pa
tient of mine her probable rival
But this necessitated an entire change in my
whole line of reasoning If the rival and not
the wife lay before me, then which OF tho two
accompanied him to the scene of tragedy? He
had said 1t was his wife; had proved to my
self that 1t was the rival. Was he right or
right. or was neither Of us right?
Running over in my mind certain little facts
OF which had hitherto attempted explana-
ton. grouped them together and sought among
them for inspiration.
These are the facts:
J. One of the garments found on the murdered
woman had been torn down the back. AS II
new one. it had evidently been subjected TO
quick strain, not explainable by any ap-
pearance OF struggle.
2. The shoes and stockings found on the VIC
tim were the only articles she wore which could
tng of the so called Mrs James Pope, these
Hicles had not been changed. Could not that
fact be explained by the presence of a consd-
cradle sum of money in her shoes?
s. The going out bareheaded of fugitive
anxious to avoid observation. leaving hat and
gloves behind her in a dining room closet.
had endeavored TO explain this last anoma-
lous action by her fear of being traced by sd
conspicuous article this hat; but Il was
not q satisfactory explanation to then and
much less now.
A. And last and most vital OF ALL the words
which had heard fall from this half conscious
girl "Oh, how can touch herr She is dead
and have never touched dead bodyl"
But the rings7 Why could / not md the
rings? II my present reasoning correct,
this woman should have those evidences of
guilt about her. But had not searched for
them in every available place without success?
AT o'clock the next morning my patient was
resting quietly that I considered II safe TO
leave her for a short time So l informed Miss
Althorpe that was obliged TO go downtown
an important errand, and requested Crescenze
she agreed to this, left the house as soon as
breakfast was over, and went Immediately in
search of Mr., Gryce. l wished to make sure that
he knew nothing about the rings.
II was IL o'clock before l succeeded in finding
him. AS l was certain that direct question
would bring no answer, / dssembled my real
intention much my principles would al
low and accosted him with the eager look OF
one who has great news to impart.
"Oh, Mr.. Gryce!" ! impetuously cried, tust
as IL l were really the weak woman he thought
me, 81 have found somethng--something in con
nection with the VanBurnam murder. You know
] promised to busy myself about Il II you ar
rested Howard VanBurnam."
His smile was tantalizing in the extreme
Found something" he repeated. And may
ask If you have been so good as 20 bring II
with your"
He was playing with me, this aged and repu-
table detective / subdued my anger, subdued
my indignation even, and smiling much in his
own way. answered, briefly:
II never carry valuables on my person. halt
dozen expensive rings stand for too much money
you are facetous, madam. What l to
gather from such levity? That success has
crowned your efforts. and that you have found a
guiltier party than the now in custody"
Possibly" / returned, limiting my advance
by his But II would be going too fast to
mention that yet. What want TO know IS
whether you have found the rings belonging Il
Mrs VanBurnam?"
My triumphant tone, the almost hooking &C.
cent purposely gave to the word, accomplished
its purpose He never dreamed | was playing
with him. he Thought l WAS bursting with pride: