Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1921-09-28

FelhSerteu the Key IN The JOCK
noiselessly, shot back the bolt and
opened the door. stepping quickly
within TO instantly shut out the glare
of light. II seemed to me this was
accomplished in utter silence, but, as
the door Iatched behind me, she was
upon her feet. plainly startled by the
intrusion.
Who are you? What does this
mean why, Mr. Severn
Yes" / responded quickly. yet
making no effort to advance, "you
have nothing to fear; only DO not
speak loudly"
But please explain. IL am not
afraid of you, of course, but how do
you happen to be heTe?"
Perhaps you will permit me to
ask question first, which may sound
ridiculous enough-where am II"
"You do not know that even? l
can at least answer with certainty"
her composure returning; "you are at
2f7 lie Compile street"
''Waldron's house; that possibility
never occurred to me. Sounds strange,
doesn't it? But the truth is / was
brought here unconscious"
You were attackedf"
"Slugged in Costigan's saloon" l
explained shortly. 1T took three Of
them TO do it, but they did a good
job. That must have been about
midnight. What time is it now?"
ut is after four; who are they?"
Harris, Waldron and Costigan-
some combination"
But why should they slug you,
Mr.. SevernT
simply because of my connection
with the mysterious Miss Gessler,"
explained. Harris had chosen to asso-
ciate us together, believing we know
who murdered and robbed Alva, and
where the spoils are hidden. They
endeavored first to put me through the
third degree, and when refused to
squeal--as you know simply because
possessed no knowledge to communi-
cate-they resorted to force, and here
I ann
Her eyes, wide open. questioning.
were upon my face.
"They--they asked you about me?
Why should they suppose you know
anythingY'
Largely because we were together
at Perond's. presume. Harris
claims to know you-who you are. Is
that trueT'
ut may be-" she admitted what
has happened tonight almost convinces
me. / came here willingly, only to find
myself prisoner. Sarah Waldron
telephoBed me that she was i'll, and
needed me. / have known her ever
since / Was a girl: we were from the
same town. so really thought nothing
unusual OF her call. I have seen no
one here since I eame-no men,
mean-and did not remove my clothes,
in anticipation OF being called"
"She claimed to be here alone?'
There are roomers on the floor
below, but l met none"
"But / found your door locked" i
insisted.
"Phat is very strange. / heard
nothing. Perhaps If you will explain
what they asked you, we may come to
some understanding Of what this all
means. Does Harris accuse me of the
robbery"
"Yes and Of the murder. The way
he tells il the thing does sound rather
ugly" ! confessed regretfully, but
believing the time had arrived for
plain speech between us. AT least
was in no position to contravert his
claims"
you imply you suspect me also Of
this crimef'
INC, not that l have given you
my faith; but il has been given blindly.
You have refused me your confidence
l do not even know your name, your
place of residence, how you became
involved in this Gordon. You must
/ am badly handicapped
when 1t comes TO attempting your de-
Tense"
'You have been very true. very
kind" she admitted. and extended her
hand. "You must know how greatly
I appreciate such faithfulness, Mr..
Severn. But tell me what Harris holds
to be proof against me. II all this be
true, we cannot waste time here in
talk"