Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1918-12-05
The AbandonedR
of the Panamanian's continued pres

of the Panamanian's continued pres
ence here.
Paroles resumed his walk. H
still had that air of expectancy. H
seemed to listen. This feeling O
immlnence reached Bobby; increas
ed his restlessness. He thought h
heard an automobile horn outside
He sprang up, went to the doc,
opened it, and stood gazing through
the, damp and narrow court. Yet
he confessed, he listened for a repe
tition of that unearthly cryins
through the thicket rather thar
for the approach of those who
would try to condemn him for two
murders. Paroles was right! TIL,
place was unhealthy. Its dark wall,
seemed-to draw closer. They hac
desolate and unfriendly secretive
ness. They might hide anything.
The whirring Of motor reached
him. Headlights flung gigantic, dis.
tor3d shadows of trees across the
walls OF the old wing. Bobby faced
the others.
They're coming" he said. and his
voice was sufficiently apprehensive
! now.
Graham joined him at the door.
Eyes," he said. There will be
another inquisition. You all know
that Howels for some absurd rea
son suspected Bobby. Bobby, it
goes without saying, knows no more
about the crimes than any of US. /
dare say you'll keep that in mind if
they ;.y to confuse you. After all,
there's very little any of us can tel!
them"
Except" Paroles said with a
yawn, what went on upstairs when
the woman cried and Howells' S
body moved. OF course | know
nothing about that
Graham glanced at him sharply.
Il don't know what, you mean,
but you have told US all that you
are Bobby's friend"
Quite so. And I am not a spy
He moved his head in his grave
and dignifed bow.
The automobile, stopped at the en-
trance to the court. Three men
stepped out and hurried up the
path. AS they entered the hall
BOBBY recognized the sallow, wiz
cned features of the coroner. One
of the others was short and thick
set. His round and ford face. one
felt, should have expressed friendli-
ness and good-humour rather than
the intolerant anger that marked it
now. The third was lank, bald
headed man, whose sharp face re-
leased more determination than i'll
telligence.
81 an Robinson, the district at
torney,' the stout one announced,
"and this is Jack Rawlins, the best
detective I've got now that Howells
is gone. Jack was close friend OF
Howells, so he'll make good job
of it, but | thought it was time ]
can.e myself to see what the devils
going on in this house"
The 1ank man nodded.
You're right, Mr.. Robinson.
Therell be no more nonsense about
the case. If Howells had made all
arrest he might be alive this mill
ute"
Bobby's heart sank. These men
wotrid act from primary instinct of
revenge. They wanted the man who
had killed Silas Blackburn principal
" because it was certain he had also
killed their friend. RAWLINGS words,
moreover, suggested that Howells
must have telephoned pretty clear
outline of the case. Robinson
stared at them insolently.
This is Doctor Groom, | know.
Which is young Mr.. Blackburn"
Bobby stepped forward. The
sharp eyes, surrounded by puffy
flesh, studied him aggressively. Bob
by forced himself to meet that un-
friendly gaze. Would Robinson &C
cuse him now. before he had gone
into the case himself? At least
he could pro "othing. After
moment the m; turned away.
"Who is this he asked, indicat-
ing Graham.
"A very good friend-my lawyer,
Mr.. Graham" Bobby answered.
Robinson walked over to Paroles.
Another lawyer?" he sneefed.
Another friend" Paroles an
swered easily.
Robinson glanced at Katherine.
"Of course you are Miss Perrme.
Good. Coroner, these are all that
were in the front part Of the house
when you were here before?"
"The same lot" the coroner
squeaked.
There are three servants man