Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1919-02-20
CHAPTER XII.
CharQe Answers Charge.


Charge Answers Charge.
Samual Cruthers, anything but
satisfied with the progress Trench had
made in getting at the bottom of the
mystery, had been decidedly active on
his part.
The lawyer, however, weary and
troubled almost to distraction, had
about decided he ceald as well have
spared himself his trouble. and had
actually begun to wonder if the truth
of the affair would ever come to light.
In such a state of mind he arrived
home, to find letter awaiting him.
The contents sent the lawyer post
haste to the telephone, and he called
Trench at his home.
The politicians niece answered, and
the anxiety in her voice was plain
even to the overeXcited lawyer.
"No," answered the girl; II have
Just minute, Mr.. Cruthers."
Edith put her hand over the mouth
piece and turned to Mallory Hol-
comb, who had just entered by the
front door.
did you find uncle?" she whis-
pered: and then: "Yes, Mr.. Cruthers.
Just moment. l am trying to find
out"
Marjory stepped forward and nod
ded. YES" she said. Uncle Jerry
is at the club. left him there"
"And did you tell him that Jack
Spinder was herc-that he YVES trying
to set into the library when l dis
covered him."
Marjory nodded. Her face was IN
usually pale, and Edith. realizing that
something had happened, was about to
demand an explanation whom Mr..
Cruther's impatient voice broke out
again.
81 must see your uncle tonight,
Miss Trench, as late as it is. l must
know"
He is at the club" answered
Edith, and hung up the receiver.
Cruthers started for the street the
instant he had his answer, and having
had one experience in roofing out
Trench, went straight upstairs the in
stant he reached the Farewell Club.
Almost at the top he halted. jim
mie O'Brien, whom the lawyer knew
he must pass, was standing talking
with a man.
''Sure it is after being anything
serious, Ndoctor?" questioned Jimmie.
II fancy not. He's comfortable
enough on the cot Mr.. Trench
didn't care for me to stay when I'd
made sure the skull wasn't cracked.
| imagine he'll be himself in short or
der. A bit sore as to" but Jimmie
had turned, suddenly having caught
the scrape of Cruthers's boot on the
stairs as the lawyer started to descend
to the turn in the winding flight.
Cruthers, discovered, advanced
quickly, and the physician passed him
and went toward the lower floor.
How do you do, Mr. Cruthers?"
smiled Jimmie; but his little eyes
wore searching. "Ye amt after loking
Ter Mr.. Trench. are ye? He's after
being gone"
"Is he?" snapped the lawyer.
"Well YOU look and make sure. Miss
Trench just informed me, not fifteen
minutes ago. that he was here. I've
got to see him, as late as it is"
"tifteen minutes is a long time,
Mr.. CIrthers, fer man as spry as
Mr.. Trench to be gone entirely from
,ne spot to another"
"You look. I'll find him tonight.
II l have'to hunt every house in this
town
4 "M'tll" purec Ji'nmis, but his
e!rs were sIaED.ng; III sc are OF that
LiinG. &c had betlcr be after lcttinr
me look Ter ye here" and C'Eren
stepped through door SO quickly that
Cruthers was trifle dumbtounded at
the suddenness Of the move.
THE devil. growled the lrishman.
shaking his fist at the door he had
bolted behind him; "the devil not TO
be after taking an honest mans word
fer fact!"
Then he opened another door and
stood considering Jerry Trench. seat.
ed. hunched figure. before his desk.
"Well?" came the question.
'Mr, Cruthers, sir" whispered
Jimmie. \ was after telling him ye