Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1921-03-13

fabric or that Sinistcrly nurturet
scheme must threaten: and in the fac,
OF the dread alternative confession
would come in act IL not in words.
Even as tho detective reached this
decision tho means by which Inc
might bring about the denounccmen nj
| suggested themselves to his mind
ana plan sprang full-grown into
being. He turned to the telephone
carefully shut of tho switch which
connected with the upstairs extension
and lifting the receiver, asked in a
low tone for Samuel TithcredEc's
number.
Sergeant Odell speaking" he an
nounccd. still in the studiously Inodu-
| lated voice, when the attorneys dry.
| pcremptory response came over the
wire. Can you arrange to close
your Office at half-past two this after
noon and come here to the Meade
house? should like YOU for Il
| witness Yes. l think the case
VIII he closed shortly No; and
when you come please don't mention
that | sent for you, l will manage
10 see you alone for n minute: and
must ask you TO obey my instruc-
| tons implicitly or you may spoil
everything. The guilty person will
never be brought to Justice II Il sing 10
false move is made cannot
possibly explain further You'u
be here by three? Very good"
| He hung up the receiver, unlock cd
| the library door. and started up
stairs, when Miss Meade suddenly
made her appearance from the din
| ing-room.
'Oh. Sergeant Odell, I've been look
| ing for you she said as she came
forward.
And /. you" lie smiled. Il fol-
| lowed you downstairs more than AN
hour ago. Miss Meade, bu; saw you
20 into the pantry and decided not to
bother you"
i've been to see abou; some more
broth for Cissie." she explained.
Il am so sorry upset the other"
Odclrs tone was the perfection o.
courteous contrition. az was STUPID
| OF me. but your nephew spoke sud
denly just behind me. and in the star,
! gave the cup was overturned"
"Rannic will play mischievous
tricks like that; but he Is still only
"A little boy in spirit in spite o: his
rrccocity. and cannot find il in my
heart TO reprove him" Miss Meade
smiled dcprccatinEly. 1T didn't mat
ter at ali about the broth: for my
niece has fallen into deep sleep. and
! Doctor Adams. who is with her now.
| says that it will be better to allow
| her TO rest for several hours II che
| can rather than wake her for nourish-
| ment. But | must not annoy YOU
| with trivial dctaiis OF this sort. You
said that you wanted 10 see mc?''
Eyes, Miss Meade; but only to OK
plain about my stupid accident.
| hope your niece is resting easier to-
| day."
II don't know" A little worried
| f-own appeared upon her smooth
brow. Il DO not wish to seem dis
loyal: but sometimes I think IL would
be hes, IL we dispensed with Doctor
| Adams services. for the children at
| least. am old-fashioncd and believe
| in old shioncd home remedies to Il
| certain extent: but medical science
i:as advanced with great strides o:
| late. Rannic tells me. and feel at
tines that Or. Adams has stood still"
You are dissatisfied with his treat
ment Of your riece?" Odcll asked
quickly.
Moo" Her reply came with an
evidence of mental reservation. but
his manner is sometimes unneces-
sarily severe. He has excluded even
ME from the room NOW, and am
sure that Cissie will miss me the
moment she awakcs."
The pompous little physician evil
IDENTIFY intended TO follow his instruc-
lions to the letter; and Odall merely
shrugged politely as lie turned once
more to the stairs, but Miss Meade
held out Il timidly OBTAINING hand.
please. Sergeant OGcll. IL do
not want to ask any questions which
are perhaps tabooed. but my anxiety
must bc my excuse. ! meant to ask
you yesterday, but my courage failed:
ana | can learn nothing from either
ny brothcr-in-law or Mr.. Tithercdge.
Has anything been discovered about
about the case which brings you
hcrc?" Her voice trcmbled with
cagcrncss Even the presence Of
your men about the house has not
yet brought the realization home TO
me of-of the unspcakable crimes
| know IL must be So and the horro-
IL it is like II living presence. Have
YOU single clue?
During the mcrest fraction o!
second he hesiiated, for her bcs"ec''-
ing eyes seemed to hold his rs II she
would draw the truth from him in
spite of his decision to kcc? his own
counsel until the moment was 4,
hand. Then he threw OFF the spell
and replied Gravely but steadily.
NO, Miss Meade. This is tho most
| harding case Of my experience
appreciate what the fear and sns-
pcnse must be Ike to YOU all, but
time alone can solve the problem
There followed an hour Of inaction
torturing to the detective in his
ca gerness to prccipitate the climax
which he felt would bring success 10
crown the days during which lie hah
wandered in darkness. AT length
| Peters announced to those OF the
| family who were able to repair TO
the dining that the beiated
luncheon was served, and Miss Meade,
Rannie and Gene descended.
i,,f t.ls ri