Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1920-03-02
THE NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.
A Detective Story by J. S. Fletcher

IeHT was DIttllnB WIN Cerpn1n amount
Of wonder that be had discovered the
secret. It seemed to him that 80 far
as she was concerned the secret had
come to an end; 1t was as II she said
in 30 many words that now the secret
was out he might do his worst.
But upon Mr.. septimus Elphick the
effect was very different. He was still
trembling from excitement; he groaned
as he sank into his chair and the hand
with which. he poured out a glass Of
spirits shook; the glass ratified against
The half -contemptuous fashion OF his
reception Of Spargo had now wholly
disappeared he was man who had
received a shock and bad one. And
Spargo, watching him keenly, said to
himself: This man knows a great deal
more than, great deal beyond, the
nero fact that Marbury was Maitland.
and that Ronald Breton Is In reality
Maitland's son he knows something
which he never wanted anybody to
know, which he firmly believed 1t i'm
possible anybody ever could know. 1t
was as IL he had buried something deep,
deep down in the lowest depths, and
was as astounded as he was frightened
LO uuu tuht uuu bttu dt iuot nuns
up to the broad light of day.
81 shall wait" suddenly said Spargo,
until you are composed, Mr.. Elphick.
I Have no wish to distress you. But
see. of course, that the truths which
have told you are of a sort that cause
you considerable-shall we say fearf'
Elphick took another stiff pull OF bis
| liquor. His hand had grown steadier,
and the color was coming back to his
face. .
"if you will let me explain" he said
''If you will hear what was done for the
boys sake-eh?"
THAT" answered Spargo, "is pre-
cisely what wish. can tell you this
Il am the last man In the world to
wish harm Of any sort to Mr.. Breton"
Miss Baylis relieved her feelings with
"He says that" she exclaimed, ad.
dressing the ceiling. "He says thai,
knowing that he means to tell the world
in his rag of a paper that. Ronald
Breton, on whom every care has been
lavished, is the son Of scoundrel, an
ex convict, d
Elphick lifted his hand.
"Hwh-hush - he said imploringly.
'Mr. Spargo means well, ] am sure
1. am convinced. If Mr.. Spargo will
hear me-
But before spargo could reply loud
insistent knocking came at the outer
door. Elphick started neryously, but
presently he moved across the room,
walking as II he had received a blow,
and opened the door. A boys voice
penetrated into the sitting room.
IF you please, sir, is Mr.. Spargo, OF
the Watchman, here? He left this ad
dress in case he was wanted"
Spargo recognized the voice as tha,
of one Of the office messengers boys, ant
Jumping up, went to the door.
"What is IL, Rawlins?" he asked.
"Will you please come back to tn
office, sir, at once? There's Mr.. Rath
bury there and says he must see yo'
instantly"
"All right" answered Spargo. "1'n
coming just now"
lie motoned the lad away, and turn
ed to Elphick. 40
81 shall have to CO." he said. :"
may be kept. Now, Mr.. Elphick. cal
! come to see you tomorrow morn
ing?" ..,r, -,
piled Elphick eagerly. '"Tomorro'
J morning, certainly. AT I'LL O'Clock
That will dot"
| snull Dc HeIt ~ - ooiu SPo'b %
ELEVEN sharp"
He was moving away when Elphic
/ caught him by the sleeve. :,
!, "a word-just a word ~ be said
"You4-you have not told the-the bo
--Ronald--of what you know! 70
, haven'tY'
Elphick frightened his grip on Spar
COS sleeve. He looked into his fac
besecchiugly.
! Promise me-promisc me. MI
Sparso, that you won't tell him unit
/ you have seen me In the morning
, he implored. II beg you to promis
me this"
Spargo hcsitatcd, considering mat
ters.
VERY well--I promise" he said.
/ "And you won't print it?" continue
t Elphick, still clinging to him. 'Sa
you won't print it tonightT'
II shall not print it, tonight an
swered Spargo. That's certain.
: Elphick released his grip on th
!, young mans arm.
"Comc-at II tomorrow morning.
he said, and drew back and closed tn
door. -
Spargo ran quickly to the office ant
hurried up to his own room. And there
calmly seated in an easy chair, smok
ing cigar, and reading an evening
newspaper, was Rathbury, unconcerne'
|. and outwardly as imperturbable as ever
He greeted Spargo with a careless no.
! and a smile. -
, well" he said, "how's things?
/ Spargo. half -breathless, dropped int
] his desk chair.
, "You didn't conc here to tell M
that" he said.