Evening star., 1921-07-04
CHAPTER XII.


wrayson glanced at the clock for the
twentieth time.
II am afraid,~ he said, gravely.
that Mr.. Sydney Barnes has been one
too many for u.s."
"Do you think" Louise asked, that
he has persuaded the girl to give him
the packet?'
Louise frowned.
'Of course" she said, Il think that
you were mad to let her go before. She
had the letters here in the room. You
would have been perfectly justified In
taking them from her"
Il suppose So" Wrayson assented.
doubtfully. Somehow she seemed to
get the upper hand OF us toward the
end. 1 think she suspected that some
Of US knew more than we cared to tell
her about-her husbands death"
Louise shivered a little and remained
silent Wrayson walked to the window
ITO tell you the truth" he said. II
expected some one else here tonight
who has failed to turn up"
wrayson hesitated for a moment and
glanced towards Louise.
'tCol Fitzmaurice," he said.
Louise seemed to turn suddenly rigid.
She looked at him steadfastly for
moment without speaking.
"My father" she murmured at last
Wrayson nodded.
yes" he said.
'But-what has he to do with this?''
Louise asked, with her eyes fixed and-
ousIy. almost fearfu!ly, upon upon his;
said quietly. He has been always very
kind, and I thought it possible that he
might be able to help US. He promised
to be here at the same hour as the
others. Listen! There is the bell at
last"
The colonel entered the room. Louise
half rose to her feet Wrayson hastened
to meet him.
Herbert" he said, with an affection
ate smile, forgive me for being a little
late Baroness. I am delighted to see
The baroness held out both her hands.
which the colonel raised gallantfy to his
lips. Louise he greeted with fatherly
and unembarrassed smile.
IT must apologize to all OF you. he
said. but perhaps this will be my best
He took the packet from his breast
pocket and handed 1t over to the
baroness. The room seemed filed with
EXPLANATIONS. The colonel beamed upon
somte simple" he declared. II have
lust taken them from Mr.. Sydney
barnes upstairs He. in his turn. took
them from"
The door was suddenly opened Mrs
Morris Barnes rushed into the room and
s .Where Is heT She exclaimed. he
has robbed me. The little beast! He
got into my rooms while was out!
The colonel led her CALAMITY to .
chair.
"Where Is he-' she cried 'Has h
been here?
sHe is in his room upstairs. but.
he said: II should not advise you to &c
"He has my packet-Augustus pach-
et," she cried, springtng up:
Tho colonel laid his hand upon he'
Nor he said. '.that packet has been
restored to its rightfui @ owne1 sana5,;,s w+r
anger. Tho colonel motioned her to re-
Come" he said. $50 far as you an
concerned, you have nothing to COM
plain Of You offered, believe. to efvs
She looked at him with sudden eager
:sWelrT' she cried. tmpatiently.
'That condition." he said. "shan be
compiled w1th.
She looked into his taco with strange
intentness.
ssYou mean,' she said slowly. s'tha1
I shall know who It was that killed
my husband?"
.'Yesr' the colonel answered.
A sudden cry rang through the room
Louise was on her feet. She came
staggering towards them, her hands
outstretched.
moi" she screamed, mo! Father, you
are mad! Send the woman away!"
He smiled at her deprecatingly.
my dear LOUISE" he exclaimed, "our
word has been passed to this young
woman. BesidesS he added 'circum-