American Falls press. [volume] (American Falls, Idaho) 1907-1937, 1921-08-12
Illustrations by A We'd

Who are your What does this
meanf-why, Mr.. SevernI"
Eyes," l responded quickly, yet
making no effort to advance, you
have nothing to fear; only do not
speak loudly"
But please explain. II am not
afraid of you, of course, but how do
you happen to be hereT'
Perhaps you will permit me to
ask a question first, which may sound
ridiculous enough-where am II"
you do not know that evenf l
can at least answer with certainty"
her composure returning; you are at
PAT LIE Compile 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 attackedT'
"Slugged In C~ostigan's saloon" /
explained shortly. "rt took three Of
them to do it, but they did a good
Job. That must have been about
midnight. What time is 1t nowf"
at is after four who are theyf
Harris, Waldron and Costigan-
some 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 to put me through the
third degree, and when l refused to
squeal-as you know simply because l
possessed no knowledge to communi,
cate-they resorted to force, and here
/ am"
Her eyes, wide open, questioning,
were upon my face.
"They-they asked you about me?
Why should they suppose you know
anythingT"
Largely because we were together
? at Perond's. I presume. Harris
claims to know you-who you are. Is
that trueT'
'It may be-" she admitted. what
has happened tonight almost convinces
me. l came here willingly, only to find
myself a prisoner. Sarah Waldron
telephoned me that she was Ill, and
needed me. / have known her ever
since / wal a girl we were from the
same town, so really I thought nothing
unusual of her call. / have seen no
one here since / came-no men, l
mean-and did not remove my clothes,
In anticipation of being called"
"She claimed to be here aloneT"
There are on the floor
below, but l 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 to
some understanding Of what this all
means. Does Harris accuse me Of the
robbery"
ayes and of the murder. The way
he tells it the thing does sound rather
ugly" I confessed re%gretfully, but
DeileNIIB Iut TIME udu hillNSu IoI
plain speech between us. "At least ]
was in no position TO contravert his
claims"
you imply you suspect mt also OF
this crme77
"No, not thatt / 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 1 am badly handicapped
when 1t comes to attempting your de.
Tense"
"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
10 be proof against me. II all this be
true, we cannot waste time here in
talk"