Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-02-25

ticulars, and even implored me to help
find him."
IT cannot imagine" Tavernake said,
why any one should disbelieve her."
The detective smiled
There are a few little outside circum-
stances" he remarked, looking at the
ash of his cigar. "In the first place. how
do you suppose that this young Wenham
Gardner spent the last week of his stay
in New York;"
How should know" Tavernake re-
piled, impatiently.
by realizing every cent of his property
on which he could lay his hands" the
an easy business, and the Gardner in
terest is spread out in many directions.
but he must have sailed with something
like forty thousand pounds in hard cash.
suspicious person might presume that
that 940,0OO has found its way to the
stronger of the combination"
Anything else?" Tavernake asked
'I won't worry you much more" the
detective answered. There are a few
other circumstances which seem to need
explanation, but they can wait. There is
one serious one, however, and that is
where you come in"
"IndeedP Tavernake remarked. ST was
hoping you would come to that soon"
THE two sisters, Beatrice and Eliza
can learn anything of their history. Those
people who don't understand the disap-
pearance of Wenham Gardner would like
to know why they quarreled and parted,
why Beatrice is keeping away from her
sister in this strange manner. I per-
sonally, too, should like to know from
Miss Beatrice when she last saw Wen
ham Gardner alive"
you want me to ask Miss Beatrice
these things?' Tavernake demanded.
1T might come better from you,"
Pritchard admitted 81 have written her
to the theatre, but naturally she has not
replied"
Tavernake looked curlously at his com
panion.
DO you really suppose" he asked,
that, even granted there were any un-
usual circumstances In connection with
that quarrel-do you seriously suppose
that Beatrice would give her sister
away?"
The detective sighed
mo doubt, Mr. Tavernake," he said.
these young ladies are friends of yours,
and perhaps for that reason you are a
little prejudiced In their favor. Their
whole bringing-up and associations. how
ever, have certainly not been of a strict
order. l cannot help thinking that per-
suasion might be brought TO bear upon
Miss Beatrice, that II might be pointed
out 10 her that true story is the safest"
We'll, II you've finished" TaYernake
declared. 'I'd like to tell you what /
think of your story. / think it's all
id silly nonsensel This Wenham
by your own saying, was half
mad. There was a quarrel and he's gone
OF to Paris or somewhere AS 10 your
suggestions about Mrs, Gardner, 1 think
they're infamous"
Pritchard was unmoved by his COM
anion's warmth.
why, that's all right, Mr. Tavernake,"
he affirmed. II can quite understand
your feeling like that Just at first. You
see, I've been among crime and criminals
all my days, and learn to look for a
certain set OF motives when a thing of
this sort happens. You've been brought
up among honest folk, who 20 the
straightforward way about life and nat
urally you look at the same matter from
a different point OF view. But you and
have got TO talk this out. l want you TO
that those very charming
young ladies are not quite the class of
young women you know anything about
Mind you, haven't a word 70 say
against Miss Beatrice. l dare say she's
as straight as they make EN- But-you
must take another whisky and soda. Mr..
ravernake. Now, / insist upon IL. Tim,
come right over here"
Mr.. Pritchard seemed 70 have forgotten
what he was talking about The room
had been suddenly invaded. The whole
of the little supper party, whose indi-
stduai members he had pointed out 10
mis- companion, came trOoping into the
room. They were All apparently on the
best Of terms with themselves, ana they
All seemed 70 make point OF Absolutely
gnorins Pritchard's presence. Elizabeth
Nas the one exception. she was carrying
J tiny Chinese spaniel under one arm:
ssfh tha aasera Of her ether haHa she
aela toEtoise-shsA nountsa moaoela ~
lar eye aaa stared directly at ths tWo