Grand Forks herald., 1922-03-04
THE MYSTERY OF
THE SILVER DAGGER
BY RANDALL PARRISH

came, she was now being held a
prisoner. We must both be in tho
same hands, in the INSCRIPTIONS
grasp Of this desperate gang of Grim
inals, determined to gain from US at
any cost the secret we were supposed
to share. i hesitated. but for only a
moment, debating with myself the best
course to pursue. Should endeavor
to 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-
sponsibility. knew not who she was,
or why she had become involved in
this mesh Of crime. 1 feared Harris
knowledge, the evidence he might dis
close, and what his passion for re-
venge might drive, him TO do. If he
once found his game decisivcly block
ed. 1t would be better for me to tell
her all first and then act at her direc-
tion.
I reinserted the, key in the lock
roiselessiy, shot back the bolt and
opened the door, stepping quickly
within to instantly shut out tho glare
of light. 1t seemed to me this was
accomplished in utter silence, but, as
the door latched behind me. she was
upon her feet, plainly startled by the
intrusion.
who are you? What does this
mean why, Mr.. Severn!''
Yes" responded quickly. yet
making no effort to fear; only do not
speak loudly"
But plea*c explain, IL am not
afraid of you, of course, but how do
you happen to be here?"
Perhaps you will permit me to
ask a question first. which may sound
ridiculous enough-where am I?''
You do not know. that even? !
can at least answer with certainty
her composure returning; you are a,
247 Le Compte street."
''Waldron's house; that possibility
never occurred to me. Sounds strange
doesn't it? But the truth is I was
brought here unconscious"
You were attacked?"
'SluGCed in CostiEan's saloon" ]
explained shortly. 1T took three OF
them to do it, but they did good
Job. That must have been about
midnight What time is it now"
ut Is after four; who are they?"
Harris, Waidron and Costigan-
some combination
'But why should they slug you, Mr.
Severn? ?"
Simply because Of my connection
with the mysterious Miss Gesslet,"
explained. Harris had chosen to as
sociate us together. believing we know
who murdered and robbed Alva, and
where the spoils are hidden. The,
endeavored first to put me through
the third degree, and when>I refused
to squeaEas you know simply because
] possessed no knowledge to communi.
cate--they resorted to force, and here
I am"
Her eyes. wide open, questioning
were upon my face.
"They-they asked you about me:
anything?" "
Largely because we were togethe,
at Perond's, I presume. Harris
claims to know you--who you are. l.
that true o.
1T may be-" she admitted. .wha,
has happened tonight almost convince:
me. came here willingly, only to fint
myself q prisoner. Sarah Waldror
telephoncd me that she was i'll, ant
needed me. have known her eve,
since I was gt'l: we were from thu
same town, 80 really I thought moth.
AA6 uuAO0AA Va lSE C@Ii. l. nave seer
no one here since cAme--no men. ]
mean-and did not remove my clothes
In anticipation OF being called"
She claimed to be here aIone?"
.Thcre are roomers on the floor
below, but / met none.'
But / found your door locked"
insisted.
''That is very strange. l heard
nothing. Perhaps If you will explair
what they asked you, we may come ts
some understanding of what this al
means. Does Harris accuse me Of The
robbery"
eyes and Of the murder The wa,
he tells 1t tho thing docs sound rather
ugly" 1 confessed regretfully, bu,
plain speech between US, '"'At least !
ciaims"
You imply YOU suspect mo also o.
this crime?"
'.No, not that / have given YOU
my faith; butt has boon given blind.
ly. You have refused me your conf.
dence. .do not even know your
name your place Of resAence, shoH
you became involved In this Gordon
You must acknowledge am badl,
Handicapped when itScomes to at.
tempting your defenss.'' sss
You have been very true. very
kind !" she admitted, and extended he,