The state herald., 1917-04-13

| she uau Deeu anu more QlSCTeeI
woman, just such a warning as he had
given Mulry.
Mulry had already taken the doc
tors advice. He had invited himself
to the country home Of a friend Of
his, home not far from David Stnf-
ford's. In eluding Gloria he had set
out for the very region which she was
about to visit In her investigation Of
Lois.
Gloria did not hear what Doctor
Royce was saying to Lois when she
was shown into the living room. But
she saw that they were talking ex-
citedly and that her appearance con-
fused them. Gloria was so discon-
certed at this that she could hardly
explain her errand.
II just dropped In to say that will
accept David's invitation to 60 up to
the farm with you"
Lois was so reassured by this that
she exclaimed with delight.
Royce said to Gloria: "May come
up. toof'
Gloria answered him icily: ut isn't
my farm. Good-by. '.ois." Then she
walked out.
Royce stared at Lois, then at the
spot where Gloria had been. Gloria
was angry at him. He could not Inn
agine why. He could not permit her
to snub him like that. He had some
rights as physician II not as lover.
He boltcd from Lois presence and
caught Gloria Just as she was getting
into her car.
"rm going to take you home at
once" he said.
She answered with more ice: "T'm
not going home. I'm going to my
fathers office. Good-by."
Royce helped her into the car. hest.
tated moment. then Jumped In after
her. Neither Of them spoke all the
way downtown. She was too angry.
He was too bewildered. Arrived at
the Equitable building, she put out her
hand to bid him good.by. but he shook
his head and went in with her.
Entering her fathers suite. Rhe
brushed inside q protesting secretary
and penetrated with Royce to the
luxurious inner ONCE.
Pierpont Stafford rose in amaze
ment.
"Why. my child. what are you doing
down heref You're not strong enough
for this" And he looked inquiringly
ut the doctor.
I II tried to take her home. but she
would not listen to me-" Royce said
helplessly.
Gloria advanced to her father with
sudden anger.
my health Is all right. father. but
what neither you nor Stephen real
ize Is that something must be done
for my peace Of mind" And drawing
the photograph from her breast. she
pointed to II with flashing eyes. turn
Ing to each Of them nccusingiy., "Hc
was not drowned. He was murdered.
You don't care. You want only ST.
lence. But / want the TRUTH I'm go
ing to find III Tn going to hunt down
that man whether you help me or
not!"
Royce studied her with uneasy nd
miration: her father tossed his hands
In despair.
Royce thought moment. then beck.
oned to Gloria and said: "Come with
me-"
Gloria followed him out wondering
iy.
Entering the corridor Of the build.
ing. Royce pressed the elevator but.
ton marked: "Up." He guided Gloria
into a cur that stopped for them. It
wns an express and shot them up to
the forticth floor. Alighting, Royce
led her out TO the roof. II was sur.
rounded by = high wall. but q car
pcntcr's ladder chanccd to be there,
md Royce set II up TINT Glorin might
mount md see across tho pnrnpct.
wondcringiy. Gloria allowed Royce
TO help her up. She shuddcrcd us
shc looked down into tho depths OF
the vnst canyons. Then. In great seri.
BUSINESS. Royce spoke. lie stood on
the ladder with her md pointed In n
circle. beginning at the east and turn
Ing south, then west, then north, ns
he spoke:
"You say you saw mnn kill Frcn-
eaui I say II was delirium. II Il
were true. you don't know his name,
his country. or his motive; you would
hnrdiy know his fnce II you saw him
ngaip. No one knows who hc IL. lie