South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-04-05
Dear Bobby:


Dear Bobby:
You must not, as you say, think
me a bad sport. You were very
so because Of too many of those
naughty little cocktails. Why
should you threaten poor Maria?
And you boosted you were going
out to the Cedars to kill your
grandfather because you didn't like
him any more. So l told Carlos TO
take you home. 1 was afraid of
scene in public. Come around.
Have tea with me. Tell me you
forgive me. Tell me what was the
matter with you.
"She must have written that yes
terday morning" Bobby muttered.
Good Lord. Hartley! Then it was
in my mindi"
Unless that letters a plant. too"
Graham said. Yet how could she
know there'd be a search? Why
shouldn't she have addressed it TO
the Cedars where there was a fair
chance of its being opened and read
by the police? Why hasn't my man
made any report on her? We've a
number Of questions TO ask Maria"
But word came down from the
dancers apartment that Maria
wasn't at home.
when did she go out?" era
ham asked the hall man.
Not since l came on duty at six
O'Clock"
Graham slipped a bill in the mans
hand.
We've an important message for
her. We'd better leave it with the
maid"
When they were alone in the up
per hall he explained his purpose
to Bobby.
we must know whether she's
actually here If she isn't, if ,she
hours-don't you see? 1t was yes
terday afternoon you thought you
saw a woman at the lake. and last
night a woman cried about the
Cedars-'
That's going pretty far. Hartley"
It's a chance. A physical one. "
A pretty maid opened the door.
Her face was troubled. She studied
them with frank disappointment.
II thought" she began.
THAT your mistress was coming
back?" Graham flashed.
There was no concealment in the
girls manner. 1t was certain that
Maria was not in the apartment
You remember me?" Bobby
asked.
Yes. You have been here. You
are a friend of mademoiseIle's. You
can. perhaps. tell me where she is. -
Bobby shook his head. The girl
spread her hands. She burst out
excitedly:
what is one to do? I have tele-
phoned the theater. There was nc
one there who knew anything at all
except that mademoiselle had not
appeared at the performance last
| night
Graham glanced at Bobby.
When" he asked, did you see
her last?"
1T was before luncheon yester.
day
Did she leave no Instructions
Didn't she say when she would bt
back ?"
The girl nodded
That's what worries me, for she
said she would be back after the
! performance last night"
"She left no instructions? era
ham repeated.
only that if any one called OF
telephoned 1 was TO make no APP
| Perhaps / shouldn't be talking L
you She would never forgive m,
for an indiscretion."
For the present I advise you q
do nothing" Graham said. "Yol
can safely leave all that to he
managers. I am going to see then
now. / will tell them what yol
have said"
The girls eyes moistened.
Thank you. sir. I have been a
my wits end"
Apparently she withheld nothing
She played no part TO confuse tn,
dancers friends.
On the way 10 the managers of
flee. with the trailing car benin,
them. Graham reasoned excitedly
For the first time we seem 10 b
actually on the track. Here's
tangible clue that may lead TO tn
heart of the case. Maria pulled tn
wool over the maids eyes. too. Sh
didn't want her 20 know her plans
but her instructions show that sh
had no intention OF returning-la las
night. She probably made n be
line for the Cedars. II was prob
ably she that you saw AT the lake
probably she who cried last night
II only she hadn't written that note
can't get the meaning OF IL. It
up 10 her managers now. II the
haven't heard from her it's a SAT
guess she's playing a deep game
connected with the crying. and tn
light at the deserted house, and IN
disappearance Of Paroles befor
dawn You must realize the con
nection between that and your con
clifton the other evening after yo
had left them
Bobby nodded. He began to hop
| that At the usanagerS' af3ea the