The Lynden tribune. [volume] (Lynden, Wash.) 1908-current, 1914-08-27
(CONTINUEDl

For an instant the hot blood coursed
through my veins. Wild words ieaped
to my lips. only to be choked back nn
spoken. although scarcely knew what
strength combined to win the swift
struggle. Impulse. made with sudden
revelation of love, swept me perilous
ly near to outburst. yet reason held
sufficiently 6rm to restrain the flood of
passion | knew | must refrain: !
read ii In the calm depths of those
eyes fronting me in frank friendship
A word. single. mad. Ill considered
word would sever the bond betweer
us as though cleft by sword With
any other | might have dared all. bat
not with her. She trusted me-yes.
But as a gentleman. Should ! fail in
that test of her faith could never
again hope to regain my place in her
esteem.
Lets not talk of ourselves | said.
releasing her hands. but Of what we
must face here. | have told you that
Coombs claims to be working under
the orders OF your husband. Is that
possible:"
Il cannot conceive clearly bow it
could be. and yet be might have re
ceived notice of his fathers death in
time TO assume control Of the estate by
telegraph or even by letter"
Il hardly think Coonbs has been
here SO short a time"
He might have been the old over
seer. however. and retained"
True. Yet how could Philip Henley
know that he bad Inherited the prop
erty?"
She thought a moment seriously.
little crease in the center of her fore
head.
"Of course I can only guess" she
hazarded at length. but ft-would Seem
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 OPP
poses your theory" | acknowledged.
otherwise ! would accept 1t 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 1t probable. as be 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
a scheme had they been uncertain as
to Philip Henley's heiplessness. ! 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 a new theory and one not
thought Still it was sufficiently i'm
probable. so that | dismissed 1t with
out much considers ton. 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 dor
''Only indefinitely. l want to make
a careful exploration of the house and
grounds by daylight. This may reveal
something Of value. Then we will go
into Carrollton before dark. 1 cannot
consent to your remaining here an
other night after what has occurred.
Besides. We should consult a lawyer
the best we can midland then proceed
under his advice. Do you agreeT
Certainly; and how can | be Of as
sistancer'
IF you could so 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 Saliie- She lifted her hands
in aversion lit doesn't seem as though
| could stand that But" she added,
rising lesolutsly to her feet, Il viii II