Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-01-01
JOHN ERLEIGH-
SCT1OOLMASTER
GRIPPING; STORY OF LOVE MYSTERY AMI, KIDNAPPING;
PING STORY OF LOVE MYSTERY AND KIDNAPPING


the room. John Erleigh's face was white
and haggard and there was look of fea-
in his eyes. He had spoken up boldly
enough for Vertigan. but in his own mind
he had now no doubt that Vertigan's OBJ
ject in coming to Harptree was to assist
Dick Meriet in the kidnapping of young
Lord Wimberley. No suspicion OF this
horrible thing had previously entered his
mind. But now his suspicion was so
strong that It almost amounted to a cer-
tainty.
"oh. Heaven, what shall do?" groaned
the wrstched man. what can do?"
He was indeed between the devil and
the deep sea. Destruction menaced him
on either side. II he dismissed Vertigan
the man would turn against him and his
career would be at an end. If he kept the
man and anything happened to young
Wimberley--after Lord Arthur'A warning
the scandal would ruin the reputation OF
the school, and the woman he loved would
never forgive him. There was only one
thing TO be done. The boy must OH some
pretext or other. be sent to another
school It would be difficult to persuade
Lady Wimberley, especially II Lord Ar
thur interfered. But 1t was the only pos
sible way out OF horrible situation.
Unless could get rid of Vertigan," he
said to himself, unless I could frighten
him"
But he knew that was very unlikely.
vertigan was I'm a very strong position.
and 1t would be difiicult to dislodge him
from 1t. II was not even as IL there were
any evidence that would place Vertigan ir
the power OF the law.
He was still turning over the question
in his mind, still trying TO see some way
out from the tangle OF the web that fate
seemed to be spinning round his life,
- AraNs - he afauAn ~ -v.1
the servant said that Mrs. Travers had
arrived ana wished TO see him on very
urgent business.
Erleigh went out into the hall ana
greeted his sister with q smile and a few
words OF welcome.
You should have sent me a WIRE" he
said Then I'd have had some hot sup
per for you. expect you're hungry. You
look ninched with cold-tuFn IN 10 the hre,
and I'll see about food"
She made her way into the study, walk
ing very slowly and looking straight
ahead OF her, Her face was very white
and there we're dark rings under her eyes,
She seated herself by the fire without 9
word ana held out her hands TO the blaze.
Her brother looked at her anxiously.
'sYou ought not 70 have Travelled down
20 much worry expect you're aImost
worn out"
Il am-almost worn out. she replied
You'd like some food, chr
No. thank you. Jack--I am not hungry
~ couldn't eat anything"
'tWhen did you last have q mealg''
Il had some teal don't know when Il
Vas-about tea-tims, / suppose" and she
smiled wearily. = couldn't eat anything
now
That's nonEense" be said sternIy u
shah 50 and see about i AZ once"
lie ieft The room. and Mrs Travers sat
quite nofionisss. staring at the hre She
seemed like q woman who took no further
Interest IA life. 4 feN minutes later he's
brother returned with a plate Of sand-
Hlehsa aud hall bottle cf champagne.
He drama very little Nlna himself and
nessr touched anything 50 expensive as
ehampas1e. Bat he kept Il Ia the house.
Here sou are be said eheerfullg. set
ting ne tray 6osn % g small table and
adFia4 Il 70 heH aide. and ahafasof
9I DssiQe12 |s & nlI HaIl unfi gan'Ye
E 80 a|Hs e zal ar# aflna
H9sE&4 Izn4 NHaazzr1 IIIIo fts
1H H0|I 81 80 ~ 4H HE.
M a ~ ~ g Ia 81.
H4 ~