Charlevoix county herald., 1915-05-01
The Mysterious Monogram
Howard
gyn0I9 HP

| Finally the American came forward,
look of determination upon his face.
"Harcourt," he said quietly. "Why
in hell do you stand here before us
and lie like that?"
Like a flash Harcourt turned upon
him. "Mr. Cornish" he said sharply,
"Do you realize what you are say
ing"
"Do you?" Cornish returned.
Perfectly"
Then you are either a remarkably
clever knave, or a particularly crazy
idiot"
'In either case" said Harcourt, at
is none of your business"
"But I'm going to make it my bust
ness!" Cornish persisted. you are
! trying to shield someone. cannot
help you unless you tell me what you
know"
Il have not asked your help" Har-
court reminded him. 'In fact in
finitely prefer that you do not con-
Germ yourself further in the matter"
"You seem to overlook the fact that
having invited my daughter and me
to be your guests at such time, some
explanation of your announcement is
due me-" Cornish said, taking another
tack in his effort TO force the infor-
nation he sought.
Harcourt hesitated. you are
right" he said. Having done so,
can only offer my deep apologies, how
ever. shall not ask you to forgive
me. l can only say that / regret hav-
ing dragged you into the mire into
which l have cast myself. You will
naturally wish to leave by the first
train"
And without another word, Har-
court turned upon his heel and left
the room.
Hardly had he gone when Caring
ton came in hastily.
ooh, there you are!" he exclaimed,
catching sight of Cornish.
"Is the doctor coming?"
Eyes, he's on his way" said Car
rington. "But that isn't what want
you for. There is someone outside
asking for Harcourt. Fergus believes
it is man from Scotland Yard"
Cornish gave low whistle.
They've come to arrest him." Car
rington said, terrified.
Cornish nodded. Don't get ex-
cited" he said They haven't got
him yet"
Darlington looked at him question
ingly. What can we do?" he asked.
Everything" Cornish told him.
"Of course this declaration of Har-
courts is all nonsense. He may be-
lieve it, but I'm more inclined to think
there's something more behind his
nonsense. Darlington, he's confess
ing in order to save someone else
from arrest"
Who" Darlington demanded.
Il don't know, and it doesn't make
any difference. The thing to do now
is to prevent the detective finding
him. Hurry upstairs and tell Adele
what has happened. Then go to Har-
court. He's probably in his study.
Keep him there until come, no mat
ter what you have to dow
Encouraged by Cornish's calm self
possession Darlington took heart.
His faith in his friend had ben shat
tered by the words that had come to
him like a blow in the face, but now
new hope held him, and he hur-
ried off to do as Cornish babe.
Cornish followed him into the hall,
and then went quickly to the little
parlor where Fergus had ushered the
Scotland Yard man.
you are not Lord Harcourt," the
detective said as he entered.
Hardly" Cornish admitted with a
smile. 81 merely came 10 say that
the earl is engaged with some friends
at the moment. He naturally wishes
that nothing occur to upset them, so
he asked me to come and explain that
he will be with you in just few mo-
ments."
''I'm sorry, sir" the man objected.
"But I'm afraid I'll have to see him
at once. hold His Majesty's war
rant for Lord Harcourt's arrest"
His arrest" Cornish repeated.
sparring for time.
"Yes. sir. Inspector MacBee di-
rected me TO show his lordship every
consideration, but he must go with
me to Scotland Yard Immediately.
wish you would take me TO him or
ask him to come here at once"
"I'll ask him tor come as quickly as