The Monticellonian., 1916-05-25

| anything definite against Judge Ack- royd?"
 Tn this case, only suspicion" | Her head went up. Then I think there is nothing more to be said" | The young man flushed. but his voice was steady as he returned:
 T disagree with you. And beg you to cut short your visit here, and re- turn to your home at once"
 In spite of herself the girl was sha- ken by his persistence.
 T cant do that" she said uneasily. l And added, with a flash of anger, Il think you had better leave this house" If l leave this house now l may never have chance to see you again.
 The girl regarded him with level, noncommittal eyes.
 And l have every intention of see | ing you again-and again-and again | Give me a chance; moment" | Average Jones mind was of the em- ergency type. It summoned to it's aid, without effort of cerebration on the part of it's owner, whatever was most needed at the moment. Now it came to his rescue with the memory of Judge Ackroyds encounter with the drug clerk, as mentioned by Bertram There was a strangely hopeful sug- gestion of some link between drug store quarrel and the arrival of mil lion-dollar dog, better dead in the hopes of his host. l for I'll admit" said Jones; but. if you'll give me the benefit of the doubt, think I can show you some basis to work on. If l can produce something | tangible. may l come back this after noon? I'll promise not to come unless l have good reason"
 Very we'll" conceded Miss Graham reluctantly, it's most unusual thing But I'll agree to that"
 Au revoir, then," he said, and was gone.
 Somewhat to her surprise and un- easiness, Sylvia Graham experienced distinct satisfaction when, late that l afternoon, she beheld her unconyen- tional acquaintance mounting the steps with buoyant and assured step. Upon being admitted, he went prompt i ly to the point.
 I've got it.''
 Your justification for coming back" she asked.
 Exactly. Have you heard anything of some trouble in which Judge Ack- royd was involved last week."
 Uncle has a very violent temper" admitted the girl eyasiyely. But I 1 don't see what"
 Pardon me. You will see. That row with drug clerk"
 "Well?"
 The drug clerk insisted-as the law requires-on Judge Ackroyd register ing for certain purchase"
 Perhaps he was impertinent about it"
 Possibly The point is that the prospective purchase was cyanide of potassium, deadly and instantaneous poison"
 Are you sure?@ asked the girl. in a low voice.
 VI JdoS SOAlIC II Oi4I tIlC olOl o. llOh long have you been here at your un- cle's?"
 "A week"
 Then just about the time of your coming with the dog, your uncle un- dertook to obtain swift and sure poison. Have l gone far enough?"
 II don't know.
 What is your unele's attitude tow ard the dog?"
 Almost what you might call ingra- tiating. But Peter Paul-thats my dogs name, you know-doesnt take to uncle.'
 Hes wise old doggie," amended the other with emphasis. When does your uncle give up this house?"
 At the end of the week. Uncle and aunt leave for Europe"
 Then let me suggest again that you and Peter Paul go at once"
 Miss Graham pondered No, can't do that"
 Do you realize that every day Pe- ter Paul remains here is an added opportunity for Judge Ackroyd to make million dollars, or big share of it, by some very simple stratagem?"
 Il haven't admitted yet that l be- lieve my uncle to be a-a murderer" Miss Graham quietly reminded him.
 Now, Miss Graham, would it grieve you very much if Peter Paul were to die?"
 T won't have him put to death" ]" said she quickly. That would be cheating my grandmother inten- tions."
 Miss Graham" he said slowly, won't you try to forget, for the mo- ment, the circumstances of our meet ing, and think of me only as a friend of your friends who is very honestly eager to be a friend to you, when you most need one?"
 The girls gaze met the mans level. and was held in long, silent regard.
 "Yes," she said simply
 Listen, then. 1 think I see a clear way. Judge Ackroyd will kill the dog if he can, and so effectually conceal the body that no funeral can be held over it, thereby rendering your grands mothers bequest to you void. He has only few days to do 1t in, but I don't think that all your watchfulness can restrain him. Now, on the other hand, if the dog should die natural death and be buried, he can still con test the will. But if he should kill Peter Paul and hide the body where we could discover it, the game would