Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1920-05-08

she had been the night before when
Howells had sat with them, his
moroseness yelling sharp interest
in the plan that was to lead to his
death. Robinson's mood was very
different. He talked a great deal,
making no effort to hide his irrita-
ton. His failure to find any clue in
the private staircase after Paroles
arrest had clearly stimulated his in
terest in Bobby. The sharp little
eyes, surrounded by puffy flesh, held
a threat for him. Bobby was glad
when ,the meal ended.
Howells' body was taken away that
night. 1t was a relief for all OF them
to know that the old room was empty
again.
II darqueay yon won't sleep there"
Graham Said to Robinson.
Robinson glanced at Bobby.
Not as things stand" he answer
ed. 1.-THE library lounge is plenty
good enough for me tonight
Graham went upstairs with Bobby
There was no question about his
purpose. He wouldn't repeat last
nights mistake.
AT least" he said. when the door
was closed behind them. Team see il
you do get UP and wander about in
your sleep. I'd bet a good deal that
you won't
III did 1t would be an indica-
tion?"
Granted it's your custom. what is
there to tempt you tonight?'
Bobby answered, half testing:
you've not forgotten Robinson on
the library sofa The man isn't ex-
actly working for me. Tonight he
seems almost as unfriendly as How
ellis was"
He yawned.
II ought to sleep now IL ever. I've
seldom been SO tired. Two such
nights!"
He hesitated.
"But 1 am glad you're here. Hart
ley. I can go to sleep with more
comfortable feeling"
Don't worry" Graham said.
you'll sleep quietly enough. and
we'll all be better for a good rest
For only a little while they talked
Of the mystery. While Graham re-
GREETED his failure to find any trace
Of Maria, their voices dwindled
sleepily. Bobby recalled his last
thought before losing himself Inst
night. He tried to force from his
mind now the threat In Robinson's
eyes He told himself again and
again that the man wasn't actually
unfriendly. Then the blackness en-
circled him. He slept
Almost at once. II seemed to him,
he was fighting away, demanding
drowsily:
What's the matter? Leave me
alone"
: He heard Graham's voice, UNI
naturally subdued and anxious.
What are you doing, Bobby?'
Then Bobby knew he was no
longer in his bed. that he stood in
stead in cold place and the mean
inS OF his position came with a rush
Of sick terror.
Get hold Of YOURSELF" Graham
said. Come back"
Bobby opened his eyes. He was in
the upper hall at the head of the
stairs. Unconsciously he had been
about to<creep quietly down, perhaps
to the library. Graham had awak-
sned him. II seemed to offer the an
swer 70 everything. II seemed to
give outline to . monstrous familiar
that drowned his real self in the
black pit while it conducted his body
to the commission of unspeakable
crimes.
He lnrched into the bedroom and
sat shivering on the bed. Graham en-
tered and quietly closed the door.
what time 10 lit" Bobby asked
hoarsely.
"Half-past two. don't think Rob-
insOn was aroused"
The damp moon gave an ominous
unreality to the room.
What did j do?" Bobby whispered.
Got softly out of bed and went TO
the hall. 1t was uncanny. You were
like an automaton. I didn't wake
you at once. You see. IL thought
you might go to the old ROOM"
Bobby shook again. He drew
blanket about his shoulders
And you believed I'd show the
way In and out, but the room wes
empty, so | was going downstairs"
He shuddered.
Good God! Then it's all true. l
did II for the money. ! put Howells
out to protect myself. I was going
after Robinson. It's true. Hartley.
Tell me. Do you think it's true?"
Graham turned away.
Don't ask me to say anything to
help you just now" he answered
huskily, 'for after this don't dare,
Bobby. I don't dare"