The Kansas City sun. (Kansas City, Mo.) 1908-1924, 1915-03-13

pour the money n DlllS lnto ner
stocking, throwing the purse after
ward on the floor. He had followed
her to the elevator then, and told the
conductor to go up, though he was on
his way down at the time. When he
finished his story. Mr.. Huston asked
the lady to describe her property as
well as she could.
She did easily describe the purse
and the money, and MI. Huston ex-
cused her and let her go, after taking
her name and address. Then 1t came
my turn to answer questions that came
thick and fast, but l had to stay after
he finished asking them.
l was glad, because l wanted to hear
the rest. l tried to put in a word for
Miss Carberry, but only made matters
worse for her. perhaps. though she
looked at me gratefully u of her
white face.
When Mr.. Huston cross-examined
her, he was as kind as he had been to
me, though it was plain to be seen
that he vas sure she was in the thing
somehow. Her not knowing anybody
in Chicago looked pretty bad for her,
and it was much worse that she had
10 one in Peoria she was willing to
refer to.
Mr.. Huston kind of smiled crooked
when she said the man who had gone
surety for her running an account in
Meadows store had died the week be-
fore. Things were beginning to be
pretty dark for her when l thought of
Mr.. Winter. l was going to blurt his
name right out when l remembered
they had quarreled and she might
even deny she knew him at all.
l thought l knew him well enough,
however, to feel sure he wouldn't think
Of anything except hat she was in
trouble and needed him. So l asked
Mr.. Huston if / might phone to our de-
partment. He looked surprised when
Mr.. Winter came in.
I'VE are conducting a private inves-
tigation, Mr.. Winter" he said coldly.
Gould your business wait a half
hour?"
81 beg pardon" Mr.. Winter said. 81
understood you wished me to come up
here at once"
81 phoned for Mr.. Winter" l said
eagerly. HE can help Miss Carberry,
if you will let me tell him"
l was astonished at my own bold
ness, but 1 knew Mr.. Huston liked
straightforward people, and anyhow
l had to. He smiled.
go ahead" he said.
1t took a good many words to tell 1t
all straight, and Mr.. Winters face was
a study. He looked angry and hurt and
puzzled, and then he burst out before
l finished, as sudden as lightning.
MIR. Huston, Miss Carberry is as
honest and straight as you are!" he
cried sharply. IF she says she met
this woman on the train, you may
know it's as true as Gospel. l will
stand responsible for her every act
and thought. It's an outrage, by Jove.
1t isl She's as innocent as"
Mr.. Huston raised his hand and
turned to Miss Carberry.
do you know Mr.. Winter" he
asked severely.
Miss Carberry hesitated. When he
first came in she had looked very an
cry to think he had dared; but when
she found how it was her face softened
a little, and there was a funny little
light in her eyes when he became so
excited.
"Yes," she said softly. 81 used to
know MT. Winter"
"If all this is true, Mr.. Winter" MIR.
Huston said slowly, how can you ex-
plain her unwillingness to send for you
before?"
Il didn't SEND for him this time"
Miss Carberry protested gently.
Please remember that"
Mr.. Winter grew red and glanced :
Miss Carberry, who leaned forward,
listening with parted lips and very
pink cheeks. He hesitated a moment,
but her rel seemed to sort of smile,
and he answered reluctantly:
well, you see," he stammered,
miss Carberry and I've been friends
for a long, long time, but a while ago
we-well. we had a falling out, and
!, she said she'd never speak to me again.
So, you see"
Mr.. Huston smiled.
!, 81 understand" he said. ut would
take a hardened sinner not to believe
your faith in her justified. Miss Car.
berry, l am sorry you nave been incon-
~venienced, but l think you can see our
position"
Miss Carberry smiled. but couldn't
| speak.
: Now, DAILY" Mr.. Huston went on
briskly, Il hand the real prisoner over
to you. Find out whether it is her first
%offense and act accordingly. Madam.
, | would have been more inclined to let
, you go had you said the least word to
help Miss Carberry out of the pickle
l you put her in. Remember that next
> time. You are excused. all of you"
At the doorway l looked back and
caught a glimpse of Miss Carberry
crying on MIR. Winters serge coat, and
r l forgot how tired and nervous and
: cross l had felt all the whole day
long.
r felt for once as though was living
in a novel or a play.
Mystery About Precious Stones.
That the diamond and other pre-.