The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1922-07-31
Continued

ing alcohol ran up my sleeve! he
groaned in spite Of himself and, seiZ-
ing a serviette, he wrapped it about
his injured arm. Don't putter about
with that stuff like an asst
Very good. sir"
When this was accomplished Miles
sought Scottie and found the latter
chuckling to himself.
What's the joke? Did you see
Miss Hawks armed for conquest?"
Il did noty' Scottie still smiled
broadly. I'm thinking Of the march
the young people have stolen on their
families. Dick brought the girl back
as he promised but she's not Miss Pa
tricia' any more; they bundled old
Higgs on the running board and made
for the minister's house before they
left Freedale and 1t is young Mrs.
Kemp who has come home"
I'm glad of it, Miles said after
a pause.
There comes Roger Drake UP the
drive from the gate" he continued
Hes a sick man and no mistaken
The scientist was walking more
steadily than when he had left the
house but slowly, and ne paused
every few steps to rest.
Excuse me. sir, but may I help
you?" Miles asked as he hurried for
ward. Il saw you coming and I
thought that you might perhaps feel
a little weak STILL
Miles became aware of the extreme
inward agitation Of the man.
Roger leaned his weight heavily
upon the younger man, who could
feel the thin fingers closing about
his elbow like hands Of steel. The
scientist summoned his remaining
strength to negotiate the steps Of the
veTanda and Hobart Drake himself
opened the front door.
What is this?" he exclaimed as
he FASTENED to support his brother
on the other side.
Hobart" With unexpected vigor
the weak man thrust them aside with
a sweeping gesture Of his long arms
and stood erect. Hobart. I have
found out who it is? I know
know the-the nemesis"
His voice had thickened oddly and
the last word ended in a choking cry
as he wavered and then suddenly
pitched forward on his face.
Miss brakes startled exclamation
from the staircase was lost in Ho-
bart's sharp command:
Don't try TO lift him. William:
turn him over-great heavens! He
has had a stroker"
The body turned rigidly beneath
their hands and Roger Drake lay
staring widely up at the ceiling. the
left side of his face twisted into
nideously grotesque mask. the arm
crooked and leg drawn up in a man
ner there could be no mistaking.
Miss Drake swept down to kneel
beside him, but Andrew brushed her
roughly aside and descended in reck-
less leaps.
rs it paralysis. Hobart? Shall I
phone the doctor? Can he speak?"
His rudy face had paled and his
voice was grave and shaken.
The doctor, by all means, as
quickly as you can get him herew
Hobart responded
For an hour all was excitement
while the stricken man was carried
TO his room and placed in bed. Car
ter admitted the physician and the
detective was able 10 catch snatches
of his phrases.
in these cases. nothing-Pos-
sibly in a day or so, possibly in ten,
unless, of course, another stroke
only absolute quiet and-look in again
tonight"
Hobart had established himself as
nurse and although Miss Drake de
INJURED. she was for once overruled
and only permitted to take his place
while her brother descended to snatch
a hasty bite in the dining room. Miles
lowered about in the hall just outside
the sick room. beset with the question
which haunted his mind
While he pondered. Miss Drake ap-
peared suddenly in the doorway and
seeing him, beckoned
William, must go downstairs for
a moment. VIII you come in and sit
beside Mr.. Roger"
Secretly thanking his lucky stars
that he had been at hand, Miles en-
tered and seated himself beside the
still form outstretched upon the bed.
The instant Miss brakes footsteps
had died away the detective bent for
ward
Mr.. Roger He spoke in a low,
compelling tone. Il am here to help
you. If you realize what I am say
ing close your right eye!"
A wave OF exultation swept over
him. The eye-lid quivered and slow
~, fiutteringly. 1t closed!
"Goodi-Now, sir, can't take your
message TO your brother for you. the
thing you were about to tell him when
you were overcome, but do you want
to see him? Can he guess the name
you were trying to speak?"
Miles waited but the eye stared un.
blinkingly, although a spreading
moisture had come into 1t and the
pupil seemed to enlarge and darken
with the effort at expression.
rs there something you think
can do?"
The eye closed. more quickly this
time.
DO you want anything? Is it in
this room?"
The lid remained open but the eye
itself moved toward the right as
though striving to see through the
blank wall beside which the bed had
been placed.
Beyond the wall was the locked door
behind which lay the relics Of the
past in the impotent guardianship Of
the woman centuries dead.