Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1921-10-26
CHAPTER XIV.
me Private secretarx.

I told my story to the captain much
more in detail, and Breckenridge being
found, stood sponsor for my identity,
so that was not detained The next
morning testified before the coroner's
jury 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. vet
carefully avoided any direct mention
of Miss GessIer. No doubt her name
would be brought into the case later,
but l was determined it should not
be introduced through any indiscre-
ton on my part. Krantz's name was
used, but only indirectly, and the in-
preston was left upon me that In
fiuence was being brought to bear TO
shield the banker from any direct
connection with the crime.
l knew that when the time came
for trial l 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 / should be
compelled TO disclose every bit of in
formation / possessed. In the mean
while / must discover the girl, and
learn from her own lips. If possible.
just how deeply she was involved
Then, and then only, could / decide
upon my own future course. But how
was / to locate her? / had nothing
to guide me in the search. There
were only two people to whom | could
turn for even a uggestion-Krantz,
the banker. and Sarah Waldron.
doubted if either would reveal the
truth, but / could use the threat OF
exposure against Krantz and might
thus terrorize him into revealing the
truth. l decided that if the girl did
not call me by phone before noon the
next day | 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, l was not willing to
let her 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. ] took a taxi and drove
direct to the bank. / crossed the mar
ble-fOored lobby and approached a
desk rather doubtfully. middle
aged man glanced up from his work,
and listened quietly TO my question,
examining my card attentiyely.
"Ah, yes, United States consular
service--I see. / regret to say that
Mr.. Adolph Krantz is not In the bank
today. In fact he Is out Of town.
possibly for week. Yes. he left
rather suddenly for Washington. Per-
haps you might talk with his secrs-
tary."
/ 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
win find It ajar, think; walk right
in"
l 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 q glimpse within before /
ventured TO enter. The place had far
more the appearance Of private IL
brary than a downtown business Of
fee. A woman was bending over the
further desk, busied at some work.
With heart beating somewhat faster
l ventured 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 q quick smile. and
outstretched hand, coming directly to-
ward me.
mfr. Philip Severn, at last" she ez-
claimed pleasantly. my faith is re-
warded."
"Your faith" I echoed, rallying from
my surprise at this greeting. Then
ron were expecting meT