The Pulaskian., 1920-06-03
M.4slrakor.s
 by IrwinMyerS

l WJnubW COulu uSLeGL ISuFe Slduu- ing on a chair apparently feeling along the wall near the ceiling. I recalled with curiosity that 1t was from that spot that the whispers l had heard had seemed to come.
 Inch by inch edged nolselessly for i ward, my eyes on the intruder until at last my fingers found the electric light l button. As the light flooded the room 1 there was suppressed scream, fol- 1 lowed by frightened gasp. The l figure on the chair turned quickly and l faced me. l saw that 1t was a woman. 6 badly frightened woman, with her hands clutching at her heart. Almost instantly recognized her. It was not Barbara Bradford, but her sister, Claire. She was clad In some sort of dark house gown thrown over her nightgown. Her sllppered feet were bare of stockings, and her hair hung in great braid down her back. As I sRred at her she sprang from the chair and made a rush for the open window. l grabbed for her and though she fought desperately man. aged to hold her fast and to drag her away from the window. After a mo- ment's futile resistance she suddenly collapsed in my arms. moaning in tense whisper:
 Let me go, please let me go."
 I placed her in a chair, and still keeping tight hold on one of her arms. studied her, debating what to do. What desperate motive could have driven this girl to the daring journey across the narrow ledge by which she had gained access to my quarters? Was she, wondered, once more in the power of that evil ex- husband of hers, driven by fear of him to such desperate deeds.
 Let me go.' she moaned again.
 Mot until you tell me what you were 1oing in my rooms," I answered firmly.
 'I did not know there was any one here. I thought the apartment was vacant. I thought the Gastons were away"
 But why dh you conner" q can't tell that" she moaned. ''I can't! I can't!"
 You must" repeated. "I am go- ing to keep you here until you do tell me"
 You must not keep me here" she, said. "T don't want my people to know about my having been here. You look like q gentleman. Please let me go.'
 Doesn't Barbara-doesn't your sis ter know you are here?"
 At my mention of her sisters name an expression of amazement escaped her.
 Who are you?" she asked excited ly. "Hos did you know who I was?"
 T am a friend of your sister," answered. "She win tell you who I am. You must trust me. feel have a right to know what you are doing here. Won't you tell me7' A strange look came sinto her eyes and she shook her head.
 You wouldn't understand. I was trying to trace the whispers"
 ''The whispers" !" I cried excitedly. You have heard them. too?"
 "Often," she said. 'I heard them tonight. Mother and Barbara were out to the theater. They seemed to come from near the ceiling in my sis ter.s room They seemed to vanish in the direction of this room. thought there was no one here I de i eided to creep along the ledge and see If could trace them"
 And did you succeed?"
 She shook her head.
 When I first came in this room ] could still hear them. They seemed to be coming from up near the ceiling l got up on a chair and put my ear to the wall to listen. Then they stopped altogether and then-you came in. May I go now-before my mother comes homeT"
 "On one condition" I answered that you tell your sister about your having been here"
 'I'll tell her If you wish me to-" she replied, "and now. please may go, Could you let me out of your door See, l brought key to our apartment with me, I don't think I dare make that trip across the ledge tonight"
 AS l escorted her to the door, my mind in whirl over the events of the evening. I suddenly remembered how important it was that should see her sister for long talk before I kept my appointment with Gorman 1 syTatl uour c{Starp caid &A Cloir. Bradford as she departed. that it is imperative that she meet me at lunch, con tomorrow I have news of the utmost importance--news that con. eerns all of us Tell her to meet me at the Astor at one. Sae must come l 'I1i tell her." she replied. 1 CHAPTER VII.