The Filer record. (Filer, Idaho) 1919-1930, 1923-06-07
CHAPTER s-contInusd.
u

Miss Potter flushed. and without
waiting for him 20 say more she In
tsrrupted. Il never heard thing; not
a thing"
BARLEY studied her carefully a. he
asked. Are you suref"
Her face paled. then the color re-
turned. but again she replied. Il heard
nothing until that horrible cry rang
out"
saw her shudder as II the mem
DRY Of Il were almost too much for
her, but she continued brayely. Il
knew II was beside me- and | won
dered what had happened. II fright.
ened ms--so much-that I cant tell
just what happened after that"
She seemed 10 be telling the truth
yet l could not understand how any
one had gotten near enough 20 Briffeur
TO Kill him without the person next to
him hearing his approach.
BARLEY toyed with piece Of paper
second. then smiled as he said. "Of
course. the cry startled you. Miss Pot
ter. Hut before or after II came. can
you think OF no little occurrence that
might help usf Nothing at allf"
She Was silent for long time. then
slowly. as II apologetie. she answered.
THAT Il. | heard nothing. butt did
think felt something brush my dress
--on the side next 10 Briffeur. ! am
not sure. however. I only thought
something did. The next moment
heard him slip 10 the floor and knew
something was wrong"
nnrtley's eyes frightened az her re-
mark. and he asked eagerly. "can you
show as Just where your dress was
brushedr'
She hesitated as II trying TO collect
her thoughts. and glanced down ut
her dark brown dress. Then she
placed her hand ou spot little |
above her waistline. BARLEY came 10 |
her side and looked closely az the |
place she Indicated. then suddenly |
knelt. his eyes close to the cloth. |
Strengthening up. he pointed out 10
US small splotch. little darker
than the goods OF which the dress was
made. With significant glance he
said one word. 'sHloodi"
At the word, look OF horror came
into Miss fotter's face and she shrank
away.
"was that stain on your dress when
you put Il orr he asked a. he rose
10 his feet.
"Nol The dress was worn this
afternoon Tor the urst time since II
was returned from the cleaners"
He said nothing more but went
back 10 the desk | presume that We
were oil wondering what the blood.
stain Indicated The Wild thought
rushed over me that she might. after
ALL have killed Brlfreur; bur dis.
missed Il AZ once a. impossible
"Now. Roche asked Hartley. "dld
you hear anythlngY'
Roche. Of course. uad ,rsto0d the
Importance % his answer and his red
face became cautious aud his hands
rlencbed. Then. very slowly. as n
counting hls words. he answered II
ion't know. Mr. Hartley. that I heard
anything Is. anything except
he little sound the people behind me
made when tho lights went out. If
rou mean. did I hear any one Green
10 on that peor fellow. I dld not. n
snyeoc came near him. should have !
u least heard something. bur I eid
bot hear anything ilke that
~what dld yon heagf asked Bart.
~. shrewd smile on his nce.
The chief actually blushed In an s
'roiexctic tone he said. "Now-Nfr !
iartiey, don't ksow n I heard any. !
HING tsut I thought d
"What did you think p
n 10 shrugged his shoulders. hesl. Z
aied. then answered. why. I Thought
hat. secoad or - before be gave 4
bat cry. I hvard--~ he Paused lik~ }
nan vhe h afraid that what hs IL y
'olnx 10 say VIII <ouna absurd Il q
'ont know last what to call h. Il was q
'sry slight. mere llke little thud. 4
ouid scarceiy hear n. II sounded as G
shaan ebiect had struck sosns- 3
hing q
The keep face q HARTLEY VAS eager.
NJ Re leaned forward. bis eyes On v
Soche's facs. -kna that was lust BE- n
0rv hs eried outr- he asked a
Yes. sny a seccod before. n was ,
ust After thoexht I heart scnas- g
hlax si.e.-
Hartley demanded. "whatr-
ne cisief assitat~d axasn. paussnx <