Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-07-15

/
CHAPTER XXVIII-(Continued)
| MAUD went to the window and looked
| 1Fl out into Achilles crescent. If only
Martin were here! But he did not write,
except to Monty Dereve. 1t might con-
ceivably be as Huron alleged, that he
was now entirely absorbed in the work
of his own vindication, and had ceased
to care at all about her since she had
thrown him over She weighed Huron
words in her mind and frowned. Her
mother had confessed to having been re-
sponsible for her fathers death, but had
said nothing about any reasonable in
tercourse with an enemy. And whereas
the womans confession seemed credible
the charge against Admiral Plessey did
not.
She spoke without turning her head.
This story of the plans is entirely new
10 me. Ny mother, when she confessed
to having encompassed my fathers
death, offered no such excuse. 1t sounds
to me like some hideous slander. I do not
believe it,
You do not believe it," repeated Huron
duly Yet there are the plans in De-
reve's office"
What then2 They were no doubt
stolen-you have used that word yourself
and by my fathers murderer. Perhaps
you stole them"
II see. That is the way you look at IT,
Why, then, do you think your mother ac-
cuses herself of the crime? But did not
steal them. l have Just parted from the
man who had them from your father
and, If he is arrested. he will tell the
whole story"
Maud made an indignant gesture do
You suppose the court-any court-would
credit such an imputation against my
father?"
.'Tha man car yro,,a 4. II
prove what you have heard already-that
your mother is guilty of her husbands
death"
SHOW me the man." demanded the girl.
still incredulous.
Huron forced a laugh. do you suppose
he viii allow himself TO be introduced to
Admiral Plessey's daughter? Still"-he
reflected for a moment-"you might as
wall know who he Is. He is Sydney
Dereve. the brother of Arrol's partner"
'Monty's fatherF' Maud started in sur
prise
''Yes-an abject craven. a fool, and a
liar. II you meet him, warn you not TO
credit his stories. He is wild with terror
because Arrol Is on his track. and is ready
10 throw himself at the foot OF the first
policeman who lays hand on his shout
der and blurt out the whole story With
those plans in our possession we can keep
him quiet"
MnNE'
Because they constitute the most inn
portant link In the chain OF evidence
against him and your father. II we hold
those plans we hold the master key OF
the situation. That is why l want you
TO get them"
Maud considered, She had never been
able 10 make up her mind about Gilbert
Huron Her mother had represented him
TO her that night at Edgworth-sq as
a pistol at her head. threaten
ing to discharge II unless she married
him; the next day he had managed TO
represent himself as simply a man crazed
with love for her. who had talked rather
wildly about negleeting no means fair or
foul, TO make her his own Now he stood
before her. using no threats. asking no
reward desperately concerned for the
honor Of her family, and imploring her TO |
take steps to preserve L.
What do you want me 10 do?' she
asked sulklly-sulkily becausa OF these /
because she was angry with |
herself and the man and the world in
general
His face frightened. Il want you =
use your influence with Monty Dereve-l'
Il have 10 influence with Monty. {
have quarreied with her and she turned
me out Of the house this morning"
Huron exclaimed with annoyance; DO /
you knoH Eustace Dereys hlmselffn
Il met him Hhile / was acting as his I
niece companion. but she Is sure 60 have
pfeiudiced bim against me-
what about Martin AFroi's brother
3ichard7 20 sou kuoW himf
Eyes. 4 knoH him HOW can = 40 /
-sg