The St. Johns herald., 1922-01-12

in which l could ascertain was to try. There was no one to witness my at- tempt, and, even if some office door suddenly opened, I could quickly find cOncealment in the nearby stairway. I crept out through a narrow crack, and approached on tiptOe the entrance to Wines office. No sound reached me from within, and my fingers si- lently pressed the knob, which turned without resistance-the latch was off. A half inch at a time l opened the door, listening for any noise behind. my eyes peering through the narrow crack at what was re- vealed within. They perceived little, merely a small. unoccupied room, evi- dently an outer office. containing a cheap desk, two chairs and a type writing stand. the machine covered. Two maps hung upon the walls; in one corner was a glass water-hOlder, and in the other diminutlve closet, the door ajar, That was all, except that indistlnguishable voices were con- versing somewhere beyond the parti- tion and well out of view.
 Encouraged to believe this I thrust my head far enough forward to make sure. A step to the left would doubt less have revealed Wine, but from where I -stOOds the end of the partition interfered. By slipping to the right it wOud be quite possible for me to en- ter without being seen, and three cautious steps would bring me to the security of the closet. From there, with the door into the corridor closed, I might Overhear all that passed be- tween the two. I had ventured too far now to retreat, and, without a sec ond of hesitation, I pressed through the narrow opening. and silently closed the door behind me. Confident that l had not been detected, crOuched into the narrow closet, scarcely knowing whether to be ashamed or proud of my success.
 l could clearly distinguish the words of conversation. At first these were hardly understandable, seeming ly having no connection with any mat ter with which I felt concerned. The two were evidently discussing money, to be sure. but in terms involving the payment of interest, and the impossi- bility of extending a loan. over heard her say. quietly but firmly:
 q came to you, MT. Wine, because of our connection in other matters. l overheard this discussion. and felt you ought to be forewarned."
 q appreciate your Kindness" he an- swered, evidently surprised. 'but sim ply cannot raise the amount today it is too late"
 ''It does not have to be raised to- day, but before the closing of bank ing hours tomorrow"
 "I can have it by then" desperately.
 'I was sure you could, if only ex- plained the necessity"
 She arose as though her purpose had been accomplished, but appar ently the man was uneasy, and de- sired to know more.
 "But I fail to understand your in- terest; why should you take the trou- ble to come here and tell me this?"
 She laughed lightly.
 "Why? really it is easily enough un- derstOod. We are together. are we not? Now that Captain Ava Is dead. 1t is generally believed you will be to lead fin this work. Oh. yes it is; have already been so In- formed. And in that case 1t is ab- necessary that your bank connections be excellent. There are other funds already fin this country"
 ''Other funds! I supposed this last payment was to be au."
 "Assuredly not; the cause cannot stop for an instant merely because of this loss. Moreover, that will doubt less be recovered"
 Do you think so? Have the po- lice found any clues?"
 "The police! Hardly, bue there are others searching. not so easily turned 1 aside. We believe we know already who got the money"
 ''YOu-yOu think you-yOu know?" he could not keep the tremble out of | his voice. "Was-was it one of us?" |
 Tt could scarcely be an outsider, for the secret was guarded well. Only | those of that circle knew the money | was here even, while not more than two or three were aware of its hay ing been passed over to Ava. I can't | say any more at present. Mir. Wine. You knew Captain Ava very well, did you uOt?"
 "Y-yes; that is, we were good friends. We had much in common"
 Are you a German?"
 "By blOOd-yes, but born in Pc and; Captain Alva's mother was also l Pole; this brought us closer to- yether"