Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1923-03-22

expected him to attack you. Know
ing that, Eaton-knowing that, l want
TO call your attention to the peculiar
ity Of our mutual positions on the
train. You had asked for and were
occupying Section Three in the third
sleeper. in order-I assume and, | be-
lfeve, correctly-to avoid being put Ia
the same car with me. In the night,
the second sleeper-the car next Ia
front of yours-was cut off from the
train and left behind. That made me
occupy In relation TO the forward part
Of the train exactly the same position
as you had occupied before the car
ahead Of you had beenx cut out. /
was in Section Three IA the third
sleeper from the 'front.'
Eaton stared at Santoine, fasci-
mated what had been only vague,
half felt, half formed with himself,
was becoming definite. tangible, under
the blind mans reasoning. His hands
closed instinctively. In his emotion
what do you mean?"
you understand already Santoine
asserted. The attack made on me
was meant for yeH. Someone stealing
through the cars from the front to
the rear Of the train and carrying In
his mind the location Of Section Three
In the third car, struck through the
curtains by mistake at me instead OF
you. Who was that. EatOn?'
II don't know" Eaton answered.
You mean you prefer to shield
him?'
"Shield him?"
THAT is what you are doing, Is 1t
not? For, even If you don't know the
nan directly. you know In whose
cause and under whose direction ne
murdered Warden-and why and for
whom he is attempting to murder
you"
Eaton remained silent.
In his intensity, Santoine had lift
ed himself from his pillows. "Who is
that MANI" he challenged. And what
is that connection between you and
me which, when the attack found and
disabled me instead Of you, told him
that-in spite of his mlstake-his re
suit had been accomplished? told him
that, If | was dying, a repetition of
the attack against you was unneces-
sary2"
Eaton knew that he had grown very
pale; Harriet must be aware Of the
effect Santoine's words had on him,
but he did not dare look at her now
to see how much she was comprehend
Ing.
Il don't understand" He fought to
compose himself.
FIt is perfectly plain" Santoine said
patiently. ut was believed at first
that / had been fatally hurt; 1t was
even reported at one time-I under
stand-that | was dead only intimate
friends have been informed of my ac-
tual condition. Yesterday, for the
first time, the newspapers announced
the certainty of my recovery; and to-
day an attack is made on you. They
did not hesitate to attack you in sight
Of my daughter"
But"
"You are merely challenging my de
ductlonsl VIII you reply to my ques
tions2-tell me the connection be
tween us?-who you are2.
"No."
"Come here !"
"What?" said Eaton.
"Come here-close TO me, beside the
bed"
Eaton hesitated and then obeyed.
bend over%
Eaton stopped, and the blind mans
hands seized him. Instantly Eaton
withdrew.
"Waitr Santoine warned. IF you
do not stay, | shall call help" One
hand went &c the bell beside his bed.
Harriet had risen she met Eaton's
gaze ~warningly and nodded to him TO
comply. He bent again over the bed.
He felt the blind mans sensitive fin.
gers searching his features, his head.
his throat. Eaton gazed at Santoine's
face while the fingers were examining
him he could see that Santoine was
merely finding confirmation of an i'm
nression already gained from what he