The Aberdeen weekly. [volume] (Aberdeen, Miss.) 1878-1933, 1921-10-07
CHAPTER discontinued.

hau size been trlcked into conf1HgE or
brought by force? and was she held
here helpless TO escape? l 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
came. she was now being held a
prisoner. we must both be in the
same hands, in the INSCRIPTIONS
grasp Of this desperate gang Of Grim
inals. determined TO gain from Us al
any cost the secret we We're supposed
10 share / hesitated, but for only a
moment, debating with myself the best
course TO pursue Should / endeavor
10 escape from the house alone. and
then return TO her rescue with help?
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 I was
afraid TO take upon myself the re-
Eponsihillty. I knew not who she was,
tOr why she had become involved in
This mesh Of crime l feared Harris
] knowledge. the evidence he might dis
/ CLOSE. and what his passion for revenge
might drive lin to do. if he once
found his game decisively blocked. It
would be better for me to tell her all
first and then act at her direction.
l reinserted the key in the lock
poiselessly. shot back the bolt and
opened the door stepping quickly
within to instantly shut out the glare
of light. IL seemed 70 me this was
accomplished in utter silence. but, as
abe door Iatched behind me- she was
upon her feet. plainly startled by the
Intrusion.
Who are you? What does this
mean why, Mr.. Severn -
Yes" I responded quickly. yet
making no effort to advance, you
have nothing to fear; only do not
speak loudly
But please explain. II am cot
afraid Of you, of course, but how do
you happen to he here?"
Perhaps you will permit me to
ask a question first, which may sound
ridiculous enough-where am II"
You do not know that even? 1
can ut least answer with certainty"
her composure returning; you are at
247 lie Compile street"
"Waldron's house; that possibility
never occurred to me. Sounds strange,
doesn't it? 1ut the truth is I was
brought here unconscious"
You were attacked?'
"Slugged in Costigan'S saloon" I
explained shortly. cit took three Of
them to do it, but they did a good
job. That must have been about
midnight. What time is it nOw?"
-. 1ss
Harris. Waldron and Costigan-
some combination"
but why should they slug you.
Mr. Severn"
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 I
third degree. and when I refused TO /
squeal-as you know simply because 1 |
possessed no knowledge TO commune |
-cate-they resorted TO force, and here /
I am"
Her eyes. wide open, questioning.
were upon my face.
"They-they asked you about me?
why should they suppose you know
.enythingT"
Largely because we were together
at Perond's. presume. Harris
claims to know you-who you are Is
that true?"
1T may be-" she admitted What
mas happened tonight almost cOnvinces
me. came here willingly. only to find
myself a prisoner Sarah Waldron
me that she was i'll, and
needed me. I have known her ever
since I was a girl; we were from the
same town. so really thought nothing
unusual of her call. 1 have seen no
one here since l came-nO men.
did not remove my clothes.
in anticipation OF being called"
"She claimed to be here alone?"
There are roomers on the floor
below. but met none"
But found your door locked
insisted. {
THAT is very strange 1 heard
nothing. Perhaps If you will explain I
what they asked you. we may come TO
some understanding of what this all
means. Does Harris accuse me of the ,
s
yes and Of the murder The way s
he tells it the thing does sound rather I
ugIy.' / confessed regretfulIy. hut '
believing the time had arrived for
plain speech between us. AT least |
was in no position TO contravart his
claims 1
"You imply you suspect me also of q
This cr,-ne." /
mo. not that I have given you I
ny faith; but it has been given blindly.
Fou have refused me your confidence.
do not even know your name, your S
place of residence, how you became G
involved in this Gordon. You must .
acknowledge I am badly handicapped h
when il comes to attempting your de- I
'ense-" t
you have. been very true, very C
lind" she admitted, and extended her b
land. You must know how greatly S
appreciate such faithfulness, Mr.. a
Eevern. But ten me what Harris holds a