The diamond drill., 1921-06-11

or face the greater danger or attempt
Ing 10 take her with mel The former
move involved exposure Of her whole
connection with the affair. and ! was
afraid 10 take upon myself the re-
sponsibility. knew not who she was.
or why she had become involved In
this mesh OF crime. I feared Harris
knowledge, the evidence he might dis
close. and what his passion for revenge
might drive him 70 do. II be once
\ found his game decisively blocked. II
would be better for me to tell her all
first and then act at her direction.
reinscrted the key In the lock
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 latched behind me. she was
upon her fent. plainly startled by the
intrusion.
Who are your 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. I'll am not
afraid of you. OF course. but how do
you happen 10 be here7"
perhaps you viii permit me TO
ask a question first. which may sound
ridiculous enough-where am IL"
"You do not know that even?
can at least answer with certainty"
her composure returning; "you are at
PAT lie Compte street"
"Waldron's house; that possibility
never occurred 70 me. Sounds strange,
doesn't it2 But the truth is / was
brought here unconscious"
you were attacked"
"Slugged IN Cosugan's saloon"
explained shortly. ut took three Of
them to do IL, but they did good
job. That must have been about
midnight. What time is IL now?"
ut is after four; who are theyl"
Harris, waldron and Costigan--
soRe 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 10 put me through the
third degree. and when ! refused 20
squeal-as you know simply because l
possessed no knowledge 10 communi-
cate-they resorted TO force. and here
l am"
Her eyes. wide open, questioning.
were upon my face.
"They-they asked you about me7
Why should they suppose you know
anythingT'
Largely because we were together
az Perond's. / presume. Harris
claims TO know you-who you are. Is
that trueY
'Tt may be-" she admitted. what
has happened tonight almost convinces
me. / came here willingly, only to find
myself prisoner. Sarah Waldron
telephoned me that she was Ill, and
needed me. l have known her ever
since was a girl; we were from the
same town, so really thought nothing
unusual OF her call. have seen no
one here since cnme-no men, I
mean-and did not remove my clothes,
In anticipation OF being called"
Ill - - al
There are roomers on the floor
below, but / met none"
But / found your door locked"
insisted.
"That is very strange l heard
nothing. Perhaps If you will explain
what they asked you, we may come 20
some understanding OF what this ell
means. Does Harris accuse me OF the
robbery
"Yes and OF the murder. The way
he tells II the thing does sound rather
ugly" i confessed regretfully, but
believing the time had arrived for
plain speech between us. "At least
was In no position to contrayert his
claims"
you imply you suspect me also OF
this crime?'
"No, not that have given you
my faith but II has been given bllndly.
You have refused me your confidence.
do not even know your name your
place OF residence, how you became
involved in this Gordon. You must
acknowledge l am badly handicapped
when It comes to attempting your de-
fense."
"You have been very true. very
kind" she admitted. and extended her
hand You must know how greatly
appreciate such faithfulness, Mr.
Severn But tell me what Harris holds
20 be proof against me. II oil this be
true. we cannot waste time here in
talk"
CHAPTER XII.
AZ the Foot OF the Stairs
uNyn He ...tff e.xn ~.