Putnam patriot., 1915-01-29

l. him during the interview"
 What about mey'
 "You had better return to town. A travelling man on the train said there was a good hotel Probably Coombs has some kind nf a rig we can drive down in. I'll ask him after break fast"
 "Is it because you do not wish me with you?'
 Il shall feel more free alone I re- piled. for shall have only myself to guard. l am used to taking care of myself. Besides, this is likely to prove rather unpleasant situation for a lady"
 And yon conclude can be of no help. no asSiStance''-
 The cracked voice of Sallie came to us up the stairs. the unexpected sound startling both
 q reckon you all better com down an, eat"
 She stood in the light of the front door watching us. and we descended the flight of steps without exchanging word The woman turned and walk. cd in advance into the dining room.
 Where is Coombs?' l asked. look ing about curiously
 "He done eat already. but l reckon he'll he found gain after awhile. You all just help yerselves.
 Ne endeavored to talk as we sam pied the meal. directing our conversa- ,Is ,fNs .-.N1 with feeling that whatever we said would he overheard The woman had vanished into the dark passage lead Ing toward the kitchen. Neither of use ate heartily and as seen as We dared pushed back our chairs It was l relief to get out of the room. but as we stood d moment in the front door nay breathing in the fresh air l no iced q giant form approaching the aouse through the weeds.
 "Goombs is coming already for his interview. said hastily As it may be stormy. perhaps you had better re- reat upstairs.
 T wiil go she said quickly. but shall not leave this house while you emaiu
 SHe was gone before l eouid speak, before l could even grasp the fuIl pufport of her decision 1 followed the Hotter of her skirt up the stairs, haif tempted to rush after. vet as in staHtly co1aprehende3 the uselesshess of any attempt at influencing her. Even the shori space of our acquaint= auce had served to convince me that she WAS a woman of resource. of char acter and determination. heard the thud of Coombs' feet upon the steps of the veranda. That he had been drinking realized at glance. and it was equally evident that he planned to overawe me by brutal domineerins.
 "So yer've got through eatin, hey2" he began coarsely. "Whar's the fe- male? Thought l saw her here"
 You did" l returned coldly, but Mrs. Henley has returned to her room"
 Mrs. Henley. huh Think yer kin pull thet bluff over me?'
 What bluff?'
 "Aw. this Henley racket you sprung last night bout yer being young Phil Henley come back"
 Did say thatge
 Yer shure did" eying me in some surprise. T reckon my ears heard all right. Why, what are yer this morn ing?"
 If | ever made any such claim as that. Coombs. 1t was merely to assure our admittanee It's different this morning. and I am going 10 he just as frank with you as you are with me. Is that square,
 T reckon" uneasily. not yet able to gauge my purpose and feeling his bluff a failure. "I ain't got nothin' ter lie about so fur as know. Let's go in side. whar we kin have il out quiet like"
 l followed him into the front room. and he kicked out a chair so as to bring my face to the windows, As l sank into it l noticed a dusty mirror oppo- site which gave me a dim reflection Of the entire room. Coombs shut the door
  sat down facing me, his big hands on his knees His effort to look pleasant only made him appear uglier than usual.
 "Waal, go ont' he said grulily.
 l crossed my legs comfortably and leaned back In the chair. quite con scious of thus adding to his irritation. My best card was cool indifference.
 There is not much to say" l re- piled deliberately "Ill answer your questions so far as think best. and then I'll ask few of you The lady upstairs is Viola Henley the wife Of Philip Henley, She bas come down here to take legal possession of this property. That is the situation in Il nutshell I am merely accompanying her to make sure that she gets a square deal''
 His jaw sagged and his eyes wan dered
 oh" he managed to articuIate. What is your real game:a
 Exactly as l have stated it. Coombs. To the best of my knowledge Philip Henley is dead-at least he has disap- peared-and his widow is the rightful heir to this estate"
 ''Waai. I reckon he ain't dead-not by jugful,'
 felt the hot blood pump in my veins. Did the man know this to be true. or t,-aS ha ruaraIx- tnat,fua fha efafm for