The daily banner. (Cambridge, Md.) 1897-2008, 1918-02-06
The
Vndicatiion
By Saidee Es,<Re Balcen
Copyright. 1917. Western Newspaper Union

O---~-S
The shades of the house were low
cred and the place bore general at
Rlosphere Of gloom In one room, alone
and her tears falling as she mechanic
ally counted the stitches in some EN-
broidery she was working at, Myra
Lane bent her head like a crushed be-
ing, consumed with woeful misery
for which there seemed to be no sur
cease.
A mile away. confined in prison
cell her father paced up and down the
narrow confined space, comprehending
that If within a week some evidence In
his favor was not produced, he was at
the mercy OF jury composed of men
likely to follow the influence of ignor'
anee and prejudice.
A square away, a man who had just
left the fOriorn prisoner, his hands
clasped behind him, his walk slow and
measured, his eyes bent to the ground
was revolving over and over in his
mind q plan to assist the client he had
lust left. Lawyer John Bird fancied
he saw q single CLEAN of light in the
vague dimness Of the environment OF
the unfortunate man accused of muir
der. =
His steps led him to the lobby of a
hotel, where he sat down in one Of the
armchairs at rest, to continue his cogi-
tations. Grouped together a few feet
away. engaged in casual conversation
and ut times joking and reciting droll
stories, were four young men. Lawyer
Bird knew them, and had nodded as he
passed them He raised his head as he
sesteds himself. and his wise, critical
eyes took them in as though their pres
ence suggested some idea In relation to
his present train Of thought.
He was keen observer Of humanity
and an expert analyst. While each OF
the young men was of q different tenn.
permanent, they were on an average OF
respectable, well-behaved class. The
infection Of their tones caught his
hearing.
Ned Wing, the fat, jolly fellow Of
the group. uttered bluff, hearty "Ha
Ha r. at the relation of funny story
indicating little depth Of character out
side Of taking things as they came
with q trend Of mind difficult to i'm
press with any sense Of responsibility!
OF serious. attention to the practical
things OF life.
Frank Carter, with his Indifferent
~Ho! Ho!" betrayed a cynical. half
hearted regard for passing events, apo
to the mental view Of the lawyer could
not be relied on to stir far from G
routine of self1shness in his compre
hension Of the duty Of man to man.
The i"Hei He!" Of diminutfre, fop
piah ,Gwyn Lavelle was suggestion o.
his petty grasp Of life. The fourth Of
the coteriea smiled only. He spoke al
ways in a low, unobtrusive tone, like
q man who knew the art Of listening
and was q thinker.
.Ha A mg nan murmRreA the Law
yer and arose and approached TIT
quartette. "Can speak with you fol
moment2" bespoke aloud.
Certainly. Mr.. Bird" responded
Alwyn-t Prescott promptly. Excuse
me- he directed at his friends, ant
courteously followed Mr.. Bird to som'
seats. at distance.
II am in need of some assistance, o.
rather cooperation" spoke the lawyer
gravely. and the clear. earnest eyes o.
the young man evidenced close atten
ton. II must find some one to exc
cute q difficult mission for me, and
hope you are so situated that you car
give me your services for week. -.
Am authorized. to pay the person who
will undertake the task the sum Of ont
thousand dollars"
The announcement naturally startled
Prescott, but the lawyer. as he knew
had appeared in some very important
cases. where wealthy clients did MOI
stint the fees. Il am fixed SO cal
leave my regular work for the period
e6 time you NAME" he said at once
-Are you sure / am the man for thu
task7"
Il know you, and have selected yol
! a. Just the man." replied the lawyer
you and your three friends know Mis-!
Lane and admire her, I we'll know. 70,
are aware of the terrible trouble ant
peril that has come to her father.
may the more interest you, If tell yot
that the whole future happiness Of ia
ther and daughter depends upon wha
you may do through my instructions II
their behalf"
Immediately a quick flash came int
the eyes Of the young man, Sigh
finish transfused his face, his lips quiv
cred. The astute old barrister had no
missed hts mark. Aiwyn Prescott loved
Myra Lane, although she had never
shown any more preference for hi
company than for that of his three
friends.
'The evidence against Mr.. Lane.
proceeded the lawyer. "seems to SHOW
that after q quarrel here with Matthew
Blair. he went down to Gresham to de
msnd Of him a settlement of an &C
count where he claimed Blair hat
grossly swindled him. There were higi
| WOs16T L III cdlS pdbSCt
between the two men. Mr.. Lane cam,
back here that same evening. Blai
| was found shot through the heart IL
the yard Of his home an hour later
You know what followed. The accuse
ton. the arrest. Yesterday a woman
who lives short distance from tn!
home Of Blair came to my Office. She
said she had been haunted with &
secret that was driving her distracted
Her cousin, q rough mountaineel
named Eel Danvers, had been visiting
her for week. The night Of the muir
der, acting, strangely and excited, h'
had come nome and hurried to hi!
room. The next morning she fount
him gone. Connecting his strange be
havior with the tragic event Of tn,
night, the suspicion forced itself upOI
her mind that Eel Danvers, membel
Of q community noted for its lawlesl