The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-22
CHAPTER 21.

CAA<AA @As
 A Proposal
 Well" Cray said, I've pretty much made up my mind in this matter I make no arrest now, since you're go- ing to be responsible, MT. Adams, for Miss Austin's presence when desired. But think l see it all. l think can reconstruct the whole case, and think there will be decided develop ments very soon."
 You do," was Trasks response to this speech, and as one by one all present rose to go, Trask remained, and asked that he might see Miss Austin alone.
 Guess I'll stand by" said Old Salt, and something in the grim but kindly sent.
 Straightforwardly the man set about his inquiries.
 Now, first of all, Miss Austin" Trask said, where is your homer"
 An obstinate look came into her eyes, and she hesitated a moment. Then, with sudden change of ex- precision, she said, Indianapolis"
 "Address?"
 Six twenty-seven Jackson street" Trask's eyebrows went up at this, and he gave her a searching look, but Miss Mystery showed no en1bar- rassment.
  know Indianapolis pretty we'll"
 I'm sure," was the cool reply and Trask went on.
 Know Doctor waring before you came here?
 No"
 Never saw him before?"
 Never, to my Knowledge"
 You didn't kill him?"
 Anita only shook her head slowly, but Trask did not press her for a verbal answer.
 Yet you were there that night. Now, it's useless to deny 1t, for the prints of those doodads on the back were on the plush back of the chair you sat in. Young Lockwood smoothed them away-Lord knows why! He must suspect you. should say, and tried to shield you that way"
 Could her" asked Miss Mystery. hopefully.
 Could he shield your No, my child, he couldn't, but can. You can trust yourself to me, and you'll have no trouble. no trouble at all. You've got MT. Saltonstall, here, and me for friends. Something tells me you won't need anybody else. We'll pull you through, eh, Old Sa1t?"
 Though accustomed to the nick name from the townspeople, Mir. Adams didn't relish 1t from this stranger, and he merely said, I'm Miss Austin's friend, be sure of that" som l." Trask declared. Now, little lady. you needn't tell all you know, but some things you must tell me. Anybody among your relatives named Truesdell?"
 Only quick eye could have caught fleeting look of dismay on her face, as Anita promptly responded. No not that know Of"
 ,"Falsehood No. T." said Trask to up te?"
 But aloud. he only said:
 All right. Now. why did you come to Corinth?"
 ITO sketch" said Anita glibly and smiling at him. I'm an artist, you see--l paint water -colors."
 'Yes-I see. Now, Just why did you hide that stiletto of yours?"
 T was frightened. I was afraid they would think I killed Dr. War ing"
 Why did you fear that?"
 "Oh, l don't know" She was al- most flippant now. Those detec- tives are so queer, they're likely to suspect anybody. And they said the weapon used was a round, sharp in- strument, so-so I hid the thing"
 You didn't use that to kill him p
 
 What did you use?"
 T didn't kill him."
 "Who did?"
 T think he killed himself"
 MT. Adams" Trask turned to the old man, please leave us two alone for few moments. I ask you as d personal favor"
 Without a word Old Salt left the room.
 Now, look here. Miss Austin" :" Trask said in a determined tone T know you killed that man as we'll as I know you're here. Also, know why. Or, at least, I don't know ex- actly why, but I have knowledge that will lead straight to a revelation of the whole affair. I know you are re- lated to the ruesdells-though per haps you-don't know that yourself. Now, heres my proposition. I'm a lawyer, and I'm known as a shrewd one. Many time I've made black appear white-and I can do 1t in this case. Bluff you'll marry me, I'll get you off. Wait a minute don't speak yet. I'm not bad-looking I'm kind-hearted and, by my cousins death, I'm rich man.
 You may not love me yet-but I'll guarantee I can win your af- lection. I fell in love with you the