The Washington times., 1916-03-03
-fcontinued from Yesterday)


cling back. she saw the pros $
trate man move little; as
though trying to get to his feet.
A sigh Of relief escaped her lips at learn
ing he was not deaa. Slackening speed
she turned into a bypath; and thence
made her way by a circuitous route TO
the park entrance nearest her home
AS she rode, reaction set In. She
looked back at the events OF the past
hour as at the deeds of some strang-
er-deeds whose very memory now filled
She realized that her horse was u
reek with lather and sweat. To avoid
inquiry. sne rode to the stable by BACK
way dismounted there and ieft the
horse with wondering groom.
Then, on foot, she turned her steps
toward the Travis house--where rate
crouched waiting for her. Decidedly
this was day Of shocks.
Max Lamar had doncf little sleeping
and much heartsick thinking. during
the past twepty-four hours. And now.
at last. he had nerved himself to make
tine test he had planneU--the test which,
he believed. would prove to him,
once and for all, June 3 guilt or inno-
cencc.
" ith shrinking heart, but with firm
step, he approached the Travis house.
And at the same moment, Tama.
the Jap butler, was prIvily conveying
Smiling sam" EaSan's late DrcaINtusL
to the attic Mary had arranged the
breakfast tray, with an almost uncon-
querable yearning to put strychnIa or
powered glass into the food.
She remembered sans demand for
"a flask OF the StuTt That Killed Fa-
ther." And, dreading to disobey, she
put on the breakfast tray bottle OF
light wine-the nearest approach to
Sans coveted whisky which the house
gust then contained.
II hope every drop of 1t strangles
him to DEATH! was her kindly wish
as she handed the tray to Yama.
The Jap butler tremblingly bore the
repast to the attic. For some occult
reason, Sam loved to torment and
frighten the dapper little butler. And
fama's visits to the hiding place were
moments of terror to the poor little
Today was no exception. He set the
tray down in front of Sam and started
TO pour out glass OF wine for him.
hut Yama's hand shook pitlfully. from
sneer fright. A spoonful of wine fell
on Sans knee.
With a truly terrifying growl Eagan
snatched up the carving knife he still
carried In his belt and rushed at the
Jap,
I'm going to cut my monicker on
your measly heart!" he snarled.
Yama did not pause to see IL the
threat would be fulfilled. Dropping
everything. he fled.
Down the attic stairs he bounded.
three steps at a jump. At every inch
Of the way he expected to feel the
cruel knife-point sink into his back.
Downward he sped. fully believing
Sam was close behind him all the
way.
Eagan returned the knife to its
place, chuckling amusedly at the
scare he had given the butler. Then
ne picked up the bottle of wine and
tried to read its label
But the light was dim and his eyes
were nearsighted. He went over to
the window to get n better view OF
the label Close to the pane he stood
for an instant, curiously and labori-
ously spelling out the name.
And, In that instant, Max Lamar
turning in at the front walk, chanced
10 look up-and saw him.
Lamar halted and stared upward
more keenly. But Sam had moved
away from the window. Max, with
the excitement of hound ON the
scent bounded up the veranda steps.
At the top. he collided violently with
a, little hgure that shot out of the
front door. 1t was Yama; stlll in
flight from Sans imaginary pursuit.
whats up?" demanded Max.
Yama stared, speechlesS and gasp
Whats the natter" repeated La
you going for the police
Saw-saw nobody!' babbled the
Jap; still remembering Sans threat
OF what he would do should Yama be-
tray his hiding place. Saw nobody.
Going for little walk. l."
Going for little hundred-yard
dash, you mean," corrected the per-
picked Lamar; Let me in there. I've
Just seen-"
"Why, Mr.. Lamarv 'exclaimed a
voice from the foot OF the steps.
Max turned. to see June, in riding
dress. crop In hand, mounting the
veranda toward him.
Miss Travis" he said, hurriedIy, 81
caught a glimpse of man I'm al
most sure was Sam Eagan."
Really asked June, her heart beat
ing fast, How interesting! Where
"fn that topmost window OF your
house. The attic window, suppose, He
What nonsense % she laughed, nerv-
ously "How could he possibly"
II must go and look for him." insisted
Lamar. THAT is. II you'll let me. He
probably remembered your goodness Ia
him In other days, and sneaked In here
10 try to persuade you to help him Let
me go in. please He mustn't get away
June too confused to make any pro-
test led the way into the house; She
was sick with terror; In the Library
uONTWdy Hlhty
came forward, cordially, to greel
Lamar. The crime specialist cut shor'
her salutaticns by saying, brusquely
Mrs. Travis, have reason to think
criminal is hiding in this house
Smiling SAM Eagan, the crook tol6
you about. down at surfton. May
search for himY'
why certainly" assepted the star
tied old lady. "But-oh, / do hope yoI
are mistaken, Mr.. Lamar can't be
lleVe-"
Max had already started up the stairs
June. dreading to go with him, yel
dreading far, more TO remain ~
suspense, followed. Mary, Who hat
been crossing the lower hall as Lanai
entered, hurried after her.
The search OF the next foor wai
merely pe-functory. Max would have
gone straight to the attic, had moi
June. with nm affectation OF caution
hesged him to search the lower rooms
He's not down here.' declared n,
crime specialist at last In growing im.
patience. I'm going to try the at