The St. Mary banner. (Franklin, Parish of St. Mary, La.) 1889-1931, 1918-04-20

VANCE
CHAPTER xvI-continued.

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H.
A key grated almost inaudibly in the
iock. Lydia started; but before she
could move the door swung open far
enough to admit Craven. and was at
once slammed behind him.
A pace or two from the wall the man
pulled up and stared at his daughter.
his face dark with temper.
Slowly Lydia rose and confronted
him, hard eyes challenging his relent-
lessly.
whats this" he demanded abrupt
" in an ugly voice, "what's this hear
about your bringing Peter Trait here
ln q taxi?"
"What does this nean." the girl re-
torted, that you send me here to be
locked up, as though I were thief to
be held for the police?"
He ignored, If he was sensible to, the
stressed pronoun. II want an answer
to my question:" he said threateningly.
II demand an answer to mine," she
returned, unyielding.
With an impatient gesture Craven
advanced as IL meaning to seize her
and enforce obedience. But halfway
be paused, let his hand fall, with OBJ
vious effort relaxed; mustered flick
efing and uncertain smile. meant to be
ingratiating; moderated his tone. "Oh,
come now!" he said In strained indul-
gence. 1--WE can't 60 on forever quar-
reling, you and l, Liddy."
Il agree" she replied coolly. ANY
explanation you can make"
tits all mistake. Mrs. Ellsworthy,
4 most Jealous woman in-ah-our
service, misinterpreted my message.
believed it imperative you should be
detained, and when you showed temper
committed IN objectionable error. I'll
zee she apologies; meantime l. your
father, express my sincere regret"
Briefly Lydia analysed words and
tone, and found both hollow with insin-
cerity. She shook her head YEARLY.
You're not telling me the truth. I've
learned too well to know when you're
If you mean what you
say, IL you wish to prove you didn't
instruct that woman to lock me up.
open that door and let me leave this
house at once"
Craven sighed, shrugged tolerantly.
Every WE'LL" he urged. 1--WE no wish
to detain you. Just one thing-and
well go together. First be good
enough to give me that puzzle box"
"Now Lydia cried out in round
full voice. "No!"
z whats that?" he said. incredulous.
II said no." Lydia told him. II will
not give you the puzzle box. 1t belongs
to Mrs. Merrilees."
s In q breath his face was suffused
with blood. $50 that's your style, is
ltr' he stormed. advancing. swell,
we'll have this out here and now, my
lady! I'm your father-I order-I COM
ma2d you to hand over that boxl Un-
less, Of course, you prefer me to take
L ~ force"
He had come within two feet, was
her with face and gestures
pf uncomfortable wrath. But she
1idn't yield q step.
~You can't" she said evenly.
what the DEVILS to preventr
Because Mrs. Merrilees has 1t now"
The man fell back as though she had
missed shape OF horror between them;
ltammering and aghast he jabbered
Mrs. Merrilees has it
lowl"
Lydia affirmed with q nod.
"You-you're not fo0ling me, Lddyr
lsked Craven in q stricken voice.
I'm telling you the truth, IL you've |
he wit to recognize It," she said with
he brutal intolerance Of youth for age
lllied with depravity. "Sheer chance |
boiled you. My cab broke down at |
Flfty-fifth street. walked two blocks |
lorth to get another at the Margrave-
vhere Mrs. Merrilees wasn't stopping,
md where you didn't mean to meet me
tier I'd called here-and BY down.
1sht good luck found her with Mrs.
3sgsarstaff. So / gave her the neck
Ace. and came on here-Mr. Trait e.
orting me, though not at my request"
Good heavensl" said Craven again,
y accents quavering. do you know
nat you're saying, LiddyT
Tn afraid-I know too WELL"
With IN inarticulate groan Craven
INK into q chair and buried his face In
= hands. you've ruined mel"
rye saved you, you mean"
1cu don't understand. What" He
lsead up eagerly. what did they say
- y0o-when you gave hack the
ock1acer
1Asy weFe hind snougA 10 ny moth
II b pretend ArA Aeexiiees had in-
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