New Ulm review., 1914-08-12

likely he was notified Of his fathers
death by one of the administrators
and doubtless told at the same time Of
his inheritance. He was the only son,
and there were no other near relatives.
1t would be only natural for him to
retain the old servants until he could
come here and select Others"
There is only one fact which op-
poses your theory" acknowledged,
otherwise would accept it as my
own also. Coombs plainly threatened
to confront you with Henley to test
your claim to being his wife,
Even that would not be impossi-
ble," she admitted reluctantly, '.for
he must have known of the Judges
death even before-before left. Only
do not believe it probable, as he was
in no condition to travel and had very
little money. Besides.'' her voice
Strengthening with conviction. '.those
men who sent you here. Neale and
Vail, would never have ventured such
scheme had they been uncertain as
to Philip Henley's helplessness. be-
lieve he is either in their control or
else dead
''Then Coombs lied
Perhaps. although still another sup
position is possible. Some one else
may claim to be the heir
This was new theory and one not
so unreasonable as it appeared at first
thought. Still it was sufficiently i'm
| probable. so that l dismissed it with
out much consideration. She apparent
ly read this in my face
1T is all cropping in the dark until
we learn MORE" she went on slowly.
'Have you decided what you mean
to do?"
"Only indefinitely. I want to make
a careful exploration of the house and
grounds by daylight. This may reveal
something of value. Then we will 20
into Carrollton before dark. cannot
consent to your remaining here an
other night after what has occurred.
Besides, we should consult a lawyer
the best we can Finland then proceed
under his advice. Do you agree?"
| Certainly: and how can be OF as
sistance?"
If you could go back to the house
and keep Sallie busy in the kitchen for
an hour: hold her there at something
SO as to give me free range of the
house,"
with Sallie!' She lifted her hands
in aversion. 1T doesn't seem as though
l could stand that. But" she added,
rising resolutely to her feet, II will If
you wish it. OF course ought to do
what little can. Why. what is this
seal ring?''
She stopped and picked the article
up from the floor out Of a litter Of
! dead leaves and held it to the light be-
tween her fingers. As she gazed her
cheeks whitened, and when her eyes
again met mine they evidenced fear.
'That-that was Philip Henley's
ring" she said gravely. Family heir
loom: he always wore it. He must be
here"
AT least it would seem that he has
been. The seal is peculiar one. not
likely to be duplicated. But doubt
If be is here now, for he could have
no reason for avoiding us. unless
Il know what you mean," she re-
piled. as hesitated. unless he in
tended to repudate me, to refuse me
recognition
"1s he that kind of man?"
mo. not when sober. Under the
influence Of liquor he becomes brute.
capable of any meanness."
Perhaps that may be the secret
then. The others here may be keeping
him intoxicated and hidden away for
purposes of their own However, this
need not change our plans. Will you
go in to Sallie?"
Yes; it will be relief to be busy.
| to feel that l am accomplishing some
thing"
! stood upon the bench. from where
could look out above the weeds and
tangled bushes. and followed her
course to the house. At top of the
steps she paused an instant to glance
back and then disappeared within.
waited patiently. knowing that If she
failed to discover the housekeeper she
would give some signal. Meanwhile
watched the weed grown area about
me carefully In search OF any skulker
observing our movements
The knowledge that Philip Henley
was alive. that any discoveries might
make would benefit him even more
than his wife, robbed me of some in
terest in the outcome. Nothing had
heard of the man was favorable to
his character felt profoundly con-
vinced that whatever affection his
wife might have once entertained for
him had long ago vanished through
neglect and abuse. My sympathies
were altogether with her. and had
already begun to dream of her as free.
She had come into contact with my
| life in such way as to impress me
greatly. We had been thrown togeth-
er in strange familiarity. Little by
little ! had grown, to appreciate her
beauty. not only Of face, but also OF
womanly character.
dreaded the temperance of Hen