Elbert County tribune., 1921-11-18
copynsh. sy Rsadan rassssh

land; Captain Alva's mother was also
Pole: this brought us closer to-
gether."
"And you have no suspicion of any
one who could have known, and been
guilty of this murder and robbery"
"Why should II Why you ask me
that?" excitedly There were many
there; perhaps all know except me.
You not suppose know he-he dief'
"Oh. no; | merely thought you
might have some suspicion. that was
ALL It was a strange weapon he was
killed with"
"A strange weapon What you
mean. strange weapon? Do they
know what 1t was that killed himT"
"Certainiy; 1t was picked up In the
bottom OF the auto-a dagger hat
pin. such as women wear. See, it
was just like this OF mine"
She must have plucked the orna-
ment from out her own hat and laid
It on the desk, for heard the faint
click of its fall. There was a mo-
ment OF intense silence, and L could
vision the intense horror with which
he was staring at the Instrument, un-
able TO command words.
THAT thlngi" he burst forth final
ly. "KIlled with thatl"
mo. not that; but one exactly like
it."
who says so-the police7 Gott
1t could not kill s man. Why you tell
me this-why?"
"Oh, only because l thought you
might be interested. However, let's
not talk about It any more. You will
settle that account before the close
of banking hours tomorrow"
at Yes. l will settle"
There was the sound of foot on
the cement floor OF the corridor with
out, and, almost at the same instant
the electric light, which had been
turned on, revealed a mans shadow
on the glass of the closed door. He
seemed to stand there hesltatingly;
then he raped with his knuckles on
the glass.
1 fiattened myself out against the
inner wall Of the closet, aware that
the two in the second office were COM
ing forward together. Wine giving
vent to n startled oath In his excite
ment. He strobe straight to the door,
and opened 1t with jerk.
"You, heyl What the devil do you
want hereT
"a word with you. and d-n
quick"
1t was waldron's voice, but his
speech ended abruptly, as his eyes
caught sight of the woman. She
wasted no time.
81 was just going" she said calm
Iy, ignoring him, but speaking directly
to Wine. II will see you tomorrow
| then"
She passed between the two, with
out SO much as favoring the Russian
with a glance. and he stared after
her with open mouth, then stepped
back to watch her progress down the
corridor. Wine drew him hastily
aside, closing the door tightly and
shooting the night-latch.
"The d-n girl never locks this door
when she goes out" he muttered
angrily, wheeling about to face the
other Now, speak up, will you
what sends you butting in herey'
well, first you tell me-" thundered
Waldron, gripping the other angrily
with one hand, what business that
female has with you? By God, Wine
II you are trying to double-cross, you'll
find me no easy mark. Answer, you
cur-what was she here for?"
Nothing, only private business"
"You promised to see her tomor.
row7"
"Yes, 1t was TO pay \ note. Coms
In here, and I'll explain all, There's
nothing to frighten you, Waldron."
The two disappeared into the inner
room, waldron's voice still rumbling
with Wine interjecting 4 word now
and then. / ventured to stand erect
again in the confines of the closet
and press my ear to the crack OF the
inner door. Both men were confident
of being alone. and so deeply Inn
mersed in their own affair as to speak
with little restraint. Waldron. really
affrlghtened at this discovery Of Miss
Gessler. adopted the method OF bully
to carry his point. more eager than
ever to escape the city.
well" he began, humping the
desk with a fist, now you begin te
spill. Don't try to work any game
on me. What do you mean by pay
ing note? You owe her somethingr
No; now listen, and don't get mad
tell you just how it was" and Wine
endeayored to be smooth and plaus
ible, his voice pitched so low / hat
difficulty in hearing the words. "She
said l was to succeed Alva, and be
the revolutionary agent; partly she
came to tell me this, but some way
she learning of my Indebtedness, that
l have an overdue note at the bank
How the HI did she know thatr
II could not tell" apparently sur
| nrlsnd himself ~ never nsk ed hnl