Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1915-07-22
CHAPTER XIV.
LET BE Light

LET THERE BE LIGHT.
When Eric came down the gang
plank at the pier in New York city.
the one familiar face that met his gaz
belonged to Adam Carr. The square.
stubborn figure of the detective was
at the bottom Of the slip, n no
amount of jostling disturbed it.
I've got news for YOU" was his
greeting. as Eric extended his hand.
And ] have a. question or two to put
to you, Mr.. ADAM" said the young
man promptly.
Il ppo you want to ask me about
Jack Payson," observed Adam as they
moved off toward the NJ section. Il
thought you'd be wanting to get at the
facts, First, let's hustle your stuff
through these fellows here. I've got 1t
fixed so that o won't be delayed.
Little pull"
Thanks. What is your news
Your sister Is in New York.
In New York? How-what do you
mean? Is she here to meet me?'
Not exactly that. l think she's here
to avoid meeting you"
Eric turned icy cold. People stared at
him as he reached blindly for the sup
port of one of the posts.
FOL Gods sake" he began hoarse-
ly, and could go no farther. His Eyes
asked all the questions that were nee
essary.
'Tve got a cab outside. Wen ak
about 1t as we drive up. BE
calm. Everything's all right with her,
I'm sure. She's staying with friends.
Old Horace didn't know how to handle
her. that's all. She's like a spirited.
thoroughbred horse. He went a step
too far into her private affairs"
you mean, she's-she's left Corinth
left my uncle's house?' cried Eric.
"She had to. Any girl of spirit would
have done the same"
But why did you say she was here
to avoid meeting me? What is wrong?
What has she done?"
Destiny! Foreordination! The pro-
misses of their childhood! All of these
rushed across his mind in horrid re-
view. His heart was like lead.
"Oh, it was wrong to leave her. he
groaned, before the other could reply.
Il am to blame if anything has hap
pened-''
Pull yourself together. l guess ! was
too sudden. It's a fault l have. You've
got a wrong impression, l see. She's
all right. Don't worry. 1 should have
said she wanted to avoid meeting you
in Corinth. She's don with Corinth
forever. Here's the inspector"
Half an hour later. they were on
their way up town in a hanson. A fine
driZZle vas blowing in their faces as
they leaned back in the seat. neither
of them caring to nave the glass low
cred.
Now I'll answer your questions
about Jack Payson," said Adam quiet
Il want to know about Mary. What's
h~appened?"
We'll, she eloped a week or 10 days
ago. She's of & now and can do as
she pleases."
I'm heavens name. why did she leave
Corinth? What is she doing in New
York? Where is She
Give me time, my lad. Horace OBJ
jects to Jack Payson, that's the sum
and substance of it. He's never got
wrong You know and he knows that
Jack was not guilty of robbing the bank,
but Horace hates him simply because
he didn't do it, ack all right. He
has done we'll in New York. Godsend
to him to get out of Corinth. He wants
fly off the handle now. He may not
have as much blue blood in hin as
you have. but he's got plenty of honest
red blood, and he's a man. in spite of
Horace. He's square and he's good
enough for any woman, If you can say
that of any man. He
II don't know anything about him.
Who was his father? Does anyone
know? Do you know?"
Adams eyes narrowed ever so slight
~, and ne was slow in replying.
BE blunt about it. You want to
know If he was born-straight. That's
it, isn't it?"
That's It,"
"If his mother was straight?"
Yes. n why YOU have always
been so deeply interested in him.
blurted out Eric.
That's something l cannot answer
aid Adam, looking straight ahead.
You mean you WON'T cried Eric,
CONTINUED NEXT WEEK..