The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1921-07-28

knowledge, tie evidence ne mlSll uis
close, and what his passion for revenge
might drive him to do, if he once
found his game decsively blocked. 1t
would be better for me to tell her all
first and then act at her direction.
/ reinserted the key in the lock
noiselessly. shot back the bolt ana
opened the door, stepping quickly
within to instantly shut out the glare
of light. It seemed to me this was
accomplished in utter silence, but, as
the door latched behind me, she was
upon her feet, plainly startled by the
intrusion.
who are you? What does this
mean?-why, Mr.. Severn"
"Yes," I 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 here?'
"Perhaps you will permit me to
ask a 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
247 LIE Compte street"
"Waldron's house; that possibility
never occurred to me. Sounds strange,
doesn't it? But the truth is l was
brought here unconscious"
"You were attacked?"
"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?'
1T is after four; who are they?
Harris, Waldron and Costigan-
some combination"
"But why should they slug you,
Mr.. Severn?'
"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 I refused to
squeal-as you know simply because /
possessed no knowledge to communi-
cate-they resorted to force. and here
I am.''
Her eyes, wide open, questioning,
were upon my face.
"They-tAey asked you about me:
Why should they suppose you know
anything?"
Largely because we were together
at Perond's. 1 presume. Harris
claims to know you-who you are. Is
that truey i
1T may be-" she admitted. what
has hapE&ned tonight almost convinces
me. I came here willingly, only to find
myself a prisoner. Sarah Waldron
telephoned me that she was i'll, and
needed me. I have known her ever
since I was girl; we were from the
same town, so really I thought nothing
unusual of her call. have seen no
one here since I came-no men, ]
mean-and did not remove my clothes,
in anticipation Of being called"
"She claimed to be here aloneY
"There are roomers on the floor
below, but I met none"
"But I found your door locked"
insisted.
"That 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 it 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 contravert bis
claims"
'You imply you suspect me also OF
this crime?'
"No, not that! I have given you
my faith but it has been given blindly'
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 I 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
to be proof against me. If all this be
true, we cannot waste time here in
talk"