The St. Johns herald., 1922-01-12
CHAPTER xIII-contInued.


 seemed to be but one sure method. Whoever had actually committed the murder and robbery, still clung to the theory that Ivan WaldrOn knew him, and would demand his share as the price of a silent tongue. Nor would he, under present circumstances, be content to wait very long for such a division. He needed the money more than ever to escape from the observation of the police. If Wine had possession of the valise he would certainly be called upon to deliver a portion of its contents very shortly. My best course, then, was to keep an eye open for WaldrOn; If he came. there would be no doubt as to the exact nature of his errand.
 The stairway gave me no adyan- tage; 1t was open and doubtless ire Quently used. To be seen lettering there for any length of time would at- tract attention. ventured to try the private door, but, as expected, found it securely locked, nor did l dare ex- ert any force, not knowing who might be inside. The office remained quiet, no one either leaving or entering, nor did observe any shadow on the frosted glass indicative of movement within. Bafled and uncertain, l had barely returned to my point of con cealment, when an elevator stopped at this floor level, and three men stepped out into the corridor. Two of them attracted no attention, but the third was in his shirt-sleeves and wore a cap with some insignia upon it. He advanced briskly, and flung open the door leading into what had once been the Railway Exchange" and motioned the others to enter. As the three vanished, I heard him explain that this was the only vacant suite on this floor, and then another voice said, dissatisfied, that it was altogeth- CT too small for their purpose. When they came out the agent closed the door carelessly and pressed the ele- vator button. saying he would show them something on the second floor above.
 Even as they shot up out of sight I was across the corridor with hand on the knob. I feared a springlOck, but was pleasantly disappointed, the door opening instantly, permitting me to slip inside There were two rooms, both small, and filtered with the frag- ments left by the late occupants. What struck me forcibly was that there was no connection between those rooms and the next suite; they were separated by a thick wall. could hide here securely enough, and, by slightly lifting the glass, gain good view of the corridor, but it would be impossible to Overhear anything talk ing place in Wines office. At that, the position was better for my pur pose than the open stairway, and I unfastened the window sash, prOpping it open a crack so as to afford me a fair view. If WaldrOn appeared I would endeavOr to discover some means of learning the object of his visit. Meanwhile I was safe enough, and able to observe every movement on the 6Oor
  the door of the Investment office opened, and a young woman came out. She had her hat on, and I took note of a pencil stuck into her hair, and felt no doubt she was Wines StenOg- rapher, who had finished her days work and was departing for home. Then the man was probably still there
 al the elevator. and could scarcely have reached the lower floor, when a cage travelling in the opposite direction stopped and discharged a passenger. It was a woman who stepped out, glancing quickly about as though un- certain where to go, and I recognized Marie Gessler.
 She started down the corridor, look ing for the numbers on the doors, and then, discovering herself wrong, re- traced her steps and approached Wines door. Even then she ap- peared to doubt her next move, glanc- ing around as though anxious to re- main unobserved before venturing | farther. Then, opening the door quickly. she disappeared within. In | that moment. before the door closed, | I caught the sound of a mans voice, | startled, uttering a single surprised | exclamation. You here What does this mean?" l
 Then a low spoken answer the | words inaudible, and ended by click of the latch.
 That closed door seemed to urge | me to learn what was transpiring be- yOnd: could not fight back the 1