Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1918-01-21

| MaCLeanI
BY ]
3 BY w. T. ElORlOGE.
! Copyright,
j The Frank A. Munsey Co.
BY W. T. ELORlDGE.
The Frank A. Munsey Co.

A gruesome silence rested upon the
house and the heavy air was damp
with mldew and age
Slowly Kingsbury began his search.
The inside shutters to the wndows he
opened sufficiently to admit little
light and he went from room to room.
fearing almost to open the next door
mot with the thought OF personal
danger, but with the dread OF what
his eyes might find.
Yet he ended his hunt. Every room,
from cellar to attic, carefully ex-
amined, and nowhere had he found
the slightest trace of MacLean, or any
sign in the deep dust which covered
! floor and woodwork, that his friend
1 or any one else had entered the house
I He let himself out as he had gained
entrance and turned to the barn His
search there brought no reward. Re-
luctantly he turned toward a path
across the meadow.
He was certain of the knife in his
I hand certain, therefore. that Dick
had come as far as the front veranda.
/ What aid the blood-spot on the worn
boards mean? Why had the horse
been left in the barn?
/ He. arrived at the Trench home. to
be informed by the servant that the
owner had left the house early that
mornir..
Kin sbury was al out 20 turn away
|when lie heard his name called, and
glanced down the hall as arjoi
Holcomb emerged from the music
room.
/ Wont you came in?' she ques-
toned Edith will be back very
soon, and know she wants to see
pyou,"
Kingsbury followed the girl into the
living room and sank down in "A chair
as she seated herself by the open
window
II hoped to find Mr.. Trench sug'
L gested Tom. not. however, so en-
! crossed in his troubles that he failed
to note the charming picture Marlory
/ made. leaning back in the deep char
with the soft breeze ruffling her dark
locks
"He went to town early this morn
inc. There is no telling when he VIII
he back"
"Do YOU mean he has left Concord
V-gone away"
"Oh, no." laughed Marjory. Blu
Uncle Jerrys movements are alway'
uncertain. He comes and goes. ant
1--we never know when to expect him
perhaps I'd better hunt him up
must see him, If there is any chance
OF his going away"
II doubt it DO you know MI
kngsbury, something is worrying
vUncle Jerry. Was that why you CAM
up here?'
His eyes narrowed as he considered
the girl and her question.
what makes you think anything i
troubling Mr. TRENCH" he countered
Marjory bent forward and her darl
eyes rested full upon his face.
Edith thinks So She overheard
him talking with man last night. MI
Kingsbury, you were right when yo
! asked me whether Edith cared for MI
MacLean. She does. very, very muc
and that is why she wants to sc
)you."
A carriage rolled up to the door bt
fore Kingsbury could make answer
and the next moment Edith Trench
tall, flushed of face. but trouble
frown upon her forehead, came int
the room.
"Oh. I'm so glad you are here
Mr.. Kngsbury. Marjory did 20
keep him." as she held out her hant
"She didn't have to keep me, wa
glad enough to stay laughed Tom.
He said he wanted to see you yer,
very much, Edith" laughed the dar
haired girl and she was gone, tos
ing back a mocking smile.
Edith Trench drew of her glove
and turned across the room. For
moment she stood considering tn
garden, and then she wheeled upo
Tom.
"Mr. Kingsley, what is this abot
Dick MacLean?" she questioned al
ruptly.
What do you mean" he coul
tered.
She came over to him and stoo
looking up into his face. La
night, after you left, | happened
overhear my uncle and man talkin