Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1920-06-10
THE
SECRET
HOUSE
BY
EDGAR WALLACE
Author of 1.-THE Clue Of the
Twisted Candle" kate Plus
TO-" 1.-THE Man Who
Knew" etc.
EDGAR WALLACE

Knew" etc.
II was a depressed little party
which assembled an hour later In the
drawing room Of the Brakely Square
house. To the Counts annoyance
Frank was one of these, and he had
contrived to secure d place near the
I sad faced GIRL and engage her in con-
versation. The Count did not deem
& it advisable at this particular mo-
: ment to make any attempt to sepa-
rate them: he was content to walt.
T. b. Smith was there.
He had secured an invitation by
the simple process Of informing those
responsible for the arrangements
that IL that courtesy was not offered
him he would come in another capa-
city than that Of a friend.
The senior partner of Messrs. De-
benham & Tree, the great city law
yera, was also present seated at q
!, table with his clerk. on which paper
and ink was placed, and where too.
under the watchful eyes of his as
sistant, was bulky envelope heavt-
~ sealed.
There, were many people present to
whom the reading Of this will would
be matter OF the greatest moment
Harrington had left no private debts.
Whatever plight the shareholders Of
the company might be in, he himself,
% Tar - HIS personal fortune was
concerned. was certainly solvent.
T. BIS inquiries had revealed, to
/ his great astonishment, that the girls
fortune was adequately secured.
Much OF the contents OF the will,
which was to astonish at least three
peoplo TINT Day, was known TO r. b.
Smith, and he had pursued his in
vsstigations 10 the end OF confirming
much which the dead millionaire had
stated,
Presently. when Doris left the
young man TO 60 to the lawyer for q
little consultation. r. B, made his
way across the room and sat down
~ The side OF Frank Doughton.
you wero q friand Of Mr.. Far
,rinston'A were you notf" he asked.
Frank nodded.
"A great friend1''
Il hardly Hike 70 say that I Wa q
great friend" said the other; ''hs
was very kind 70 me-"
I'm what way was he kindr' asked
+. q. .'You viii forgive me for aslk-
Ing these somewhat brutal questions
h but ~ you know I have every reason
- b interested"
Frank smiled family.
= 40 not think that you arc par
ticulAfly friendly disposed toward
him. Mr.. Smith" he said: ''in fact.
{ ! rather wonder that you arc present,
after what happened At the theater.' q
After my saying that wanted "a
arrnat lin" emitted T. B. 'But why
not Even millionaires get mixed up
IA curious Illegal proceedings" he
aid: but am rather curious to
know what 10 the reason for Mr..
& Far5inston's affection and In what
Wy he was kind 70 you."
Frank hesitated. He desired most
of ell to b loyal to tho man who.
! With Ill his 1aultA had treated him
with such Kindness.
well for one thing" he said. ne
gave me q jelly good commission, q
comntssion which might easily have
brought me ID q hundred thousand
pounds"
+. B.'s intssSst wan awakened.
What wan that7" no asked.
In AZ few words az possible Frank
told the story Of the search for the
hear 70 the Tollinston millions
OF course" he said. with an apol-
I ogUtlo smilss = was not tho man for
\ thu lob he should have given It to
sou. am afraid am not cut out
s for . detective but he was very keen
{ on my taking the matter in hand.
=. b. bit his lips thoughtfully.
- know something OF the Tolling-
ton millions" be said: they were left
by the timber king OF America who
diod without issue. and whose heir or
heirs are supposed to be in this coun-
/ tn, We hare had communications
about the natter
He frownsd again an he contured
! to- his mind All the. data Of this par
5 tiauIar casa.
iAOf course, harrington was one of
{ the trustees; he WAS friend OF old
II Tollington. That money would not
4 b involved" ne said. half to himself.
0ecause the other four trustees are
mon Of integrity holding high posi-
ti1ng IN the financial world OF the
United States. Thank you for tell
Ing me: win look up the matter,
~aud Il can be Of any assistance to
4 you In carrying out Mr.. Farrington's
wishesayou may be sure that wiz"
There was q stir at the other end
1 Of the room. With a preliminary
cough, the lawyer Ssse, the papers in
his hand.
81 Ladies' and gentlemen" he said,
and = silence fell upon tho room, TT
10 my duty to read to YOU the terms
OF the late Mr.. Farrington's will, and
since it affects q great number OF
4 people In this room, shall be glad
IL you will retain the deepest ST.
lence.''
There was a murmur Of agreement
i all around, and the lawyer began
reading the preliminary and con-
ventional opening or the legal docu-
I nent. The will began with one or
two small bequests to charitable in
stitutions, and the lawyer looking
over his glasses said pointedly:
z need hardly say that there will
& bA no funds available from the
ettate TOR carrying out the wishes
OF the deceased gentleman in this
i respect since they are all contin-
+ gent upon Mr.. Harrington possess-
Ing certain sum at his death which
fear he did not possess. The will
goes on to say" he continued read