The Lynden tribune. [volume] (Lynden, Wash.) 1908-current, 1914-06-18

II suppose" Mary said, that It's
useless for me to claim my constitu-
tional rights. and demand to see
/ lawyer"
Yes" Burke agreed, you've guessed
1t right, the first time"
Cassidy came hurrying in with grin
Of satisfaction on his stolid face.
Say, chief" the detective said with
animation. we've got Carson"
Burke asked Glider and the district
/ attorney to withdraw. while he should
have private conversation with the
prisoner.
"Now." he said when they were alone
together I'm going to be your friend"
"Are your" Mary's tone was nom
committal.
"Yes," Burke declared. heartily.
And l mean it! Give up the truth
about young Glider. l know he shot
| Griggs, of course. But I'm not taking
any stock in that burglar story-not
little bit! No court would either.
What was really back Of the killing?
Was he jealous Of Griggs? Well, that's
what he might do then. He's always
been worthless young cub A rotten
deal like this would be about his gait,
| guess. Tell me. now, why did he
shoot Eddie Griggs?"
There was coarseness a-plenty in the
Inspectors pretense. but 1t possessed
solitary fundamental virtue; 1t play
ed on the heart of the woman whom be
questioned, aroused it to wrath In de-
Tense Of her mate. In second. all
poise fed from this girl whose soul
was poisoning in the blest realization
that man loved her purely. unsefish-
~. Her words came stumbling In their
haste.
He didn't kill him! He didn't kill
him. she fairly Missed. why. he's
the most wonderful man in the world.
You shan't hurt him! Nobody shall
hurt him! I'll fight to the end Of my
life for Dick Gilder."
Burke was beaming 1oyously.
well. that's just what l thought"
he said. with SNUG content And now,
then. who did shoot Griggs? We've
got every one Of the gang. They're
all crooks. See here" he went on.
with sudden change to the respectful
in his manner, why don't you start
fresh? III give you every chance in
the world. I'm dead on the level with
you this time"
BY now Mary had herself we'll in
hand again vastly ashamed Of the
short period of self betrayal caused by
the officials artifice against her heart.
AS she listened to the inspectors as
surances. the mocking expression OF
her face was not encouraging to that
astute individual. but he perseyered
manfully.
Just you wait" he went on cheer
fully. land I'll prove to you that I'm
on the level about this that I'm really
your friend. There was letter came
for you to your apartment My men
brought it down to me. I've read it
Here it Is. I'll read it to your
He picked up an envelope. which had
been lying Oh the desk. and drew out
the single sheet of paper it contained.
Mary watched him. wondering much
more than her expression revealed over
this new development. Then. as she
listened. quick interest touched her
features to new life.
This was the letter:
l can't go without telling you how sor-
~ l am. There won't never be a time
that l won't remember IL was me got you
sent up: that you did time in my place.
l amt going TO forgive myself ever, and
swear I'm going straight always Your
true friend. HELEN MORRIS
For once, Burke showed a certain
~; H. h..J G,,s, h.
reading. he said nothing for long
minute.
Marys eyes were luminous in the
JOY of the rea lization that for her. after
ALL reha utilization might be in a mea-
sure possible. though nothing could
ever repay the degradation OF years
infinitely worse than lost
Burke's harsh voice, cadenced to a
singular sympathy. broke in on her
reverie of pleasure and Of pain.
"You knew this:" be inquired
"Yes. two days ago"
"Did you tell old Gilder?" be asked
Mary shook her head in negation.
What would be the use:" she re-
minded him. Il had no proof. No
one would believe me-"
They'd believe this. Why. this let.
ter sets you clear. If old Glider should
see this letter, there's nothing he
wouldn't do TO make amends to you.
He's square guy himself, If it comes |
to that. even If he was hard on you.
Why, this letter wipes out everything"
Then. the insistent question beating
at his 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. |
be went on. half asha med over his /
own intrigue against her.
Say" be said. and. for once. his |
voice was curiously suppressed. you |
tell ME who shot Griggs. and III show |
this letter TO old Glider. Now. listen"
he cried eagerly. Il give you my word 1
of honor that anything you say in here |
is just between you and me-" Uncon. 1
sciously his eyes darted to the window. |
behind which the stenographer was
busy with his notes.
That single involuntary glance was |
enough for the keen instinct Of the |
woman to make a guess as to the
verify.
Just tip me of TO the truth. Burke
went on ingratiatingly. land 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