Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1921-04-21

HiS Itdus
I've seen many hystcrical woman
when I was connected with the force,
ma am, and she was far from It. I'd
say Mrs. Creveling was the most level :
headed one in the whole business and
she took the news without the flicker
OF an eyelash. From the minute she
heard he had been shot she set her mind
on finding his possible murderer and
she was so determined about Il that
shes called in the biggest man in his
line in the country, the criminologist,
Wade Terhune."
'rerhunc! i've heard, of him, of
course. Mrs. O'Rourke observed.
After a pause she added: "No one cari
blame her for wanting to be sure, to
know beyond a shadow of doubt that
her husband was responsible for his
, own death when Il occurred In such a
dreadful, mysterious way, but IL the
medical examiner, us you say, has
proved that IL was case Of suicide
she ls only narrowing herself needless
ly. Why should she think that any one
would want to take Mr. Creveling 5
life?"
For the same reason that you say
the idea Of his killing himself is al.
most incredible. as far as / can make
out. ma'nm; that he had no cause"
McCarty responded. MY experience
before j retired. though, taught me that
there's many n trouble in a mans life
that no one knows anything about.
However, since this is case of suicide
the sooner the inspector establishes a
motive for it the quicker the thought of
IT'S being anything else will die out Of
Mrs. Creyeling's mind and the more
ready she'll be to drop an investiga-
tion that's bound to bring annoyance to
lot of innocent people. Your name
ana Mr.. O'ROurke's being mentioned
as among their best friends, the inspec-
TOR sent me to ask you in confidence
II Mt. Crcveling had seemed to be
troubled about anything lately and IL
NED maybe dropped a hint as to what
might have been, on his mind"
No, l couldn't say that Mr.. Crevel-
ing betrayed any sign that would lead
one to think he was worried much
less that he contemplated suicide" Mrs.
0Rourke said slowly. "If anything,
he has seemed to be in more than his
usual spirits, but l have seen little OF
him during the latter part of the sea-
son. Mrs. Crevcling has been away.
you know. My husband ran into him
frequently about town, l believe; he
would be better able to answer your
ntTt ne IL now
The front door closed with a muffed
jar and strong but springy footsteps
crossed the hall. The next instant the
curtains at the entrance to the drawing
room were thrust aside and a tall Young
man stood looking in upon them.
McCarty caught his breath, If tho
chubby little Lady Peggy had changed
almost beyond recognition, John Caya.
naugh ORourke had not. The same
clean cut, freckled. sensitive face. the
same thatch Of brick red hair still ire
pressibly curly, the same clear gray
eyes with the boyish twinkle barely sub.
dued in them. McCarty could with dif.
hculty restrain the exclamation which
leaped to his lips.
Come in, John" Mrs. O'Rourke
rose from her chair. This man has
been sent here by some official of the
police department to make inouiries
about Eugene, to learn il we know of
any reason why he killed himself. |
told him that you would be able Il,
answer his questions better than L"
There's no answer" Mr.. O'Rourke
came forward frankly. There doesn't
seem to be reason in the world why |
the old boy should have done himself
IN; But why have you come to us?"
ms tone was friendly and McCarty
smiled broadly in response.
!, wen, sir, your name was given to
,ne me inspector together with the |
Waverlys and Fords and several more
Us oeing among Mr.. Creveling's closest
!r'ehds and those most likely TO know |
II ne was in any trouble. I'm not
property connected with the force.
though l was once. and the inspector
calls me in now and then to hcIp him
out with details he hasn't time for
We already seen Mr.. Waverly. but
Else. ""' '"e
IF you've seen Mrs. Crevelinp you'u
know what attitude she's taken in the
matter and if in spite of the medical ey-
'miner's report she insists it couldn't
nave been suicide"
II know" Mr.. O'Rourke nodded
with quick jerk Of the head and
added Look here, haven't | seen you
)eforeT Your face is familiar. some.
'ow, and your voice, but I cant place
'ou.'
You have, sir, and my lady, too,
'ut 'tis long years gone. That's WHY
'amc to you first. All Mr.. Creveling's
rlends are likely to be dragged 10 if
'irs. Creveling persists in disregarding
he medical report and | wanted to
nee | could "
I" The" O'Rourker. Tho ro,,
mans voice was suddenly bnour sc"WHs
me in America has aver ""iicI ~"
hat '"''e" '"'
"You were not the O'Rourko uho,
left the old rountrv sir = Wornn,n ~ %'t,i
csponded ouietIv "Somr fo,han "noa '
live then. God rest hiS vn''I w.
vere lust bit Of n lad with ,ha,om
( hair like a shontv o6ro uha h"u,cI h,"u,ci
nd fished with me manv's tbo "Vn."" ti,u"
nd LADY pegoy sav;na ~. '"u onic'