The St. Johns herald., 1921-12-29
CHAPTER xl-continued.

SnQutd be nefeE HOW Ql0 IT happen that we were at the same place? Had she come voluntarily; or prisoner? Had she been tricked into coming? or brought by fOrceP and was she held here helpless to escape? 1 tried the door softly-it was locked. This, coupled with the fact that the key was upon the outside. served to answer the main question. However she cSIne. she was now being held a prisoner. We must both be in the same hands. in the interruptions grasp of this desperate gan.; of crim- iRais. determined to gain from us at any cost the secret we were supposed to share. hesitated. but for only moment, debating with myself the best course to pursue. Should 1 endeavor to escape frOIl the house alone. and then return 10 her rescue with helpP or face the greater danger of attempt ing to take her with me? The former move involved exposure of her whole connection with the affair, and l was afraid to take upon myself the re- sPOnSibllity. I knew not who she was. or why she had become involved in this mesh of crime feared Harris Knowledge. the evidence he might dis cioSe aud what his passion for revenge migh; drive Jim to do, If he once found his game declsiYely blocked. It would be better for me to tell her all first and then act at her direction.
 1 reinserted the key in the lock noiselessly. shot back the bolt and Opeued the door. stepping quickly within to instantly shut out the glare of light II seemed to me this was accomplished in utter silence. but, as the door latched behIpd me. she was upon her feet, plainly startled by the intrusion.
 Who are you? What does this mean ?-why. Mir. Severn!"
 "Yes." responded quickly. yet making no effort to advance. you have nothing to fear; only do not speak loudly"
 But please explain. I-I am rot afraid of yOn. 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 IF"
 You do not know that even? l can at least answer with certainty" her cOmpoSure returning; "yOu are at 24T Le COmpte street"
 "WaldrOn's house; that possibility never occurred to me. SOundS strange, doesn't it? out the truth is 1 was brought here uncOnsciOus.r
 You were attacked"
 "Slugged in Costigan's saloon" 1 explained shortly. ''It took three of thpm to do 1t, but they did good jdb. That must have beeL about midnight What time is it nOw?"
 'It is after four; who are they?"
 Harris. WaldrOn and COstigan- some combination"
 But why should they slug you, 8Ir. Severn?'
 Simply because Of my connection with the mysterious Miss Gessler," 1 explained. Harris had chosen to assO- ciate us together. believing we know wIi6 murdered and robbed Alva, and where the spells are hidden. They eadeavOred first to put me through inc Ttird degree, and when I refused to Squpai-as you knew simply because 1 possessed no knowledge 10 cOmmuni- cate-they FesOrted to force, and here am."
 Her eyes. wide open, questioning, were upon my face.
 ''1hey-they asked you about me? Why should they suppose you know snything?"
 Largely because We were together at perond's presume. Harris claims to know you-whO you are. Is that true?"
 Ut may be-" she admitted. "What has happened tonight ahnost convinces me. came here willingly. only to find myself a prisoner. Sarah Waldron feIephaned me that she was i'll, and needed me. have known her ever since I was a girl; we were from the same town. so really thought nothing unusual of her call. have seen no one here since came-no men. mean-and did not remove my clothes, NT,i anticipation Of being called"
 "She claimed to be here alOneT ..
 There are rOomers on the floor helaw. hut I met none"
 "F3ut I found your door locked" I Insisted.