Omaha daily bee., 1921-07-24

X emotion as love. 1t is the child OF
i hate. We hate always the one whom
We have wronged To ruin Allayne.
utterly, irretrievably, eternally 1t
would make death. less unbearable, bring
comfort to the grave. II only his hate would
sustain him, would enable him to carry out
the plan that had come in the night.
Rosa, grief stricken. trying her best to
pretend a courage that she lacked, was IN
his way Halsey sent her downstairs, feign-
ing an affection that thrilled her aching
heart She must not wear herself out tend
ing to an invalid. She must eat breakfast
by herself, not spoil 1t by constant attend
ance on him.
gingerly, carefully, to the telephone. Yes.
terday, on his way to Allayne's home, he
had passed, on the outskirts Of the town,
roadhouse. He looked up its number and
was connected with the clerk. He engaged
for luncheon, In the name Of Mr.. Carver
the name under which he and Rosa were
passing at the time-a private dining room
for luncheon that day
To Rosa upon her return, he professed
his belief that the doctors had been mistaken.
He felt extremely WELL he assured her. But
when half past twelve came he managed to
drop bottle containing medicine prescribed
for him last night. He suddenly became ir-
ritable He would trust no bell boy to have
IIAI mi,
could be trusted
She, fiattered by this absolute dependence
upon her, deceived by his pretense Of good
spirits, left him while she went to the drug
store nearby. Five minutes later Halsey was
dressed for the street From a bag he took
a revolver He put 1t in his pocket and
left the apartment.
From the public pay station downstairs he
telephoned Allayne. He had been afraid to
delay longer in his room. Also, he had felt
no need of telephoning Alayne earlier. He
knew absolutely that she was cowed, that
she would remain at home all day waiting to
hear from him.
This is Halsey speaking" he told her.
"I've engaged private room at the Cresthill
Inn for one o'clock today. In the name Of
Carver You be there
Allayne made no remonstrance; she merely
replied that she would do as he ordered.
Whereupon he hung up the receiver, glanced
around the lobby to make sure that Rosa
was not returning and them slipping out
side in front of the hotel secured a taxicab
and gave the address "Cresthill Inn"
He found that his private dining room was
on the second floor. It was pleasant roorn
that could be reached from outside, by
flight Of stairs that ran from broad French
windows to the ground, few yards below.
as we'll as from inside by a narrow short
stairway leading to the ONCE. He ordered
luncheon. Then he asked the waiter for
writing materials. He looked at his watch.
1t lacked fifteen min ties Of one. There was
time before Alayne should arrive, for what
he wished to do. He wrote:
"Chief of Police.
"Hllstown.
"Sir:
81 am the husband Of Allayne Guernsey.
who calls herself Mrs. Spenser Bourke. On
our honeymoon 1 was injured in railroad
accident. My mind was affected and have
been confined in an asylum. On my release
recently I learned that my wife had re-
married She knew that was still living,
but not wishing the publicity Of a divorce
conveniently forgot my existence. processing
to believe that had been killed. Yesterday.
BY accident, she met me and asked mo to
meet her at this hotel. do not know what
her intentions may be, but am afraid Of her.
yours truly.
Bennett HALsEH."
He read 1t through carefully. He had
night. He would have liked to leave out the
reference to the insane asylum but in no
other way could he conveniently explain why
50 long time had elapsed since the railroad
wreck without word from him. 1t might
prejudice the careful case he was build
Ing, but-and he smiled grimly-hed chance
that.
He rang for the waiter. To him he gave
the addressed envelope and asked the man to
mail the letter. Then he walked to the high
windows and stared out He saw the waiter,
impelled to exact obedience by his tip, walk
down the curHng driveway Of the Inn
grounds to where, perched upon post at the
juncture Of the drive and main road. stood
letter box. He saw the man post the letter
and retrace his steps to the Inn
Halsey smiled again. Then he saw =