The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1921-08-11
CHAPTER XIV.
The Private Secretary.


I tod my story to the captain much
more "A detail, and Breckenridge being
found, stood sponsor for my identity,
so that l was not detained. The next
morning testified before the coroner's
iurv over the crushed body OF Wine,
and later appeared in the room of the
grand Jury which indicted Waldron.
On both these occasions told enough
to make matters reasonably clear, yet
carefully avoided any direct mention
Of Miss Gessler. No doubt her name
would be brought into the case later,
but / was determined 1t should not
be introduced through any indiscfe-
ton on my part. Krantz's name was
used. but aniy indirectly, and the inn
preston was left uron me that tr.
fuence was being brought to bear to
shield the banker from any direct
connection with the crime.
knew that when the time came
for trial I could scarcely hope to
escape thus easily. Under cross-ex-
animation by the defendants attorney,
the whole affair would be probed to
the very bottom, and I should ,oe
compelled to disclose every bit OF IN
formation I possessed. In the mean.
while I must discover the girl, and
learn from her own lips, if possible,
just how deeply she was involved.
Then, and then only, could I decide
upon my own future course. But how
was I to locate her? I had nothing
to guide me in the search. There
were only two people to whom I could
turn for even a suggestion-krantz,
the banker, and Sarah Waldron. l
doubted if either would reveal the
truth, but I could use the threat OF
exposure against Krantz, and might
thus terrorize him into revealing the
truth. 1 decided that if the girl did
not call me by phone before noon the
next day I would certainly exhaust
every effort to find her. She would
assuredly learn by that time what
had occurred, but, whether she so
desired or not, I was not willing 20
let ffer drop out of my life. would
learn, at least, whatever Adolph
Krantz knew about her.
The hours dragged away bringing
no message, the silence merely
strengthening my resolution and IN
creasing my interest. After a lonely
lunch in which her face seemed ever
before me- I took a taxi and drove
direct to the bank. I crossed the mar
ble-foored lobby and approached
desk rather doubtfully. A middle
aged man glanced up from his work,
and listened quietly to my question,
examining my card attentively.
"Ah, yes, United States consular
service-I see: 1 regret to say that
Mr.. Adolph Krantz is not in the bank
today. In fact he is out of town,
possibly for a week. Yes, he left.
rather suddenly for Washington. Per
haps you might talk with his secre-
tary."
I. hesitated, yet almost as quickly
decided to see what might develop.
81 will if you please, for just a
moment"
"Very good, sir. The third door
down that corridor to the left. You
will find it ajar, think; walk right
in"
proceeded as he directed, the glass
partitions of the bank on one side, the
other divided into small private Of
fees, the equipment plainly handsome.
The third door stood partly open, CIV
ing me a glimpse within before
ventured to enter. The place had far
more the appearance Of a private u
brary than g downtown business Of
fee. A woman was bending over the
further desk, busted at some WORK.
With heart beating somewhat faster
I yentured to open the door sufficient
ly wide to enter.
There was no one else present, but
her head instantly lifted, and she rose
to her feet, with quick smile, and
outstretched hand, coming directly TO-
ward me.
"Mr Philip Severn, at last" she ex-
claimed pleasantly. my faith Is re-
warded."
your faith,' echoed, rallying from
my surprise at this greeting. 'Then
you were expecting me-"
81 have never felt very serious
doubt. Does that sound odd? Let
me close the door, and then we Will
sit down and talk. I am never dis
turbed when the door is shut. Here
is the best place. Yes, Mr.. Severn
was certain curiosity would cause
you to seek me, even If there was
no other motive. I did not phone,
so you came here"
II had but two choices-to seek In
formation either through Adolpn
Krantz or Sarah Waldron. chose
to try Krantz first.'
"And you really had no suspicion
I was to be found hereT"
"None whatever. Why should l!
Not even yet do I know whom 1 am