The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-16
CHAPTER IT THE NARKN ON THE PLUSH CHAIR

 or pretend to-" admonished Miss Bas- com brutally; you're caught red handed, and you know 1t, and you may as we'll give up."
 "I didn't--I dldn't---" came in low moans, but the girls bravery had de- serted her Limp and despairlng, she turned her great eyes toward Cray for help.
 from her pleading face. and said:
 What Is the weapon? Where did you find it?"
 Tt is stiletto-sn embroidery sti- letto-and I found 1t tucked down In the crevlce between the back and seat of a stuffed chair In Miss Aus tins room. Did you put 1t there?'
 She turned on the girl and fired the question at her with intentional sud -denness, and though Anita uttered 8 scared "No," 1t was a palpable un- truth.
 "she did," Miss Bascom went on. 'eYtu can see for yourself, Mir. Cray. sine is lying"
 "But even If she is. Miss Basocn. I must ask you to cesse torturing her I can't stand for such cruelty"
 Cray's manhood revolted aA the methods of the older woman who was causing such anguish to tho poor child she accused.
 'You are not a legal induiSftor, Miss Bascom," he went on; Tt Is for me 10 establish tho truth or falsity of your suspicious"
 "Yes, you! You're like all the other menl If girl Is pretty and alluring you would believe her statement that white, is black"
 "I believe no statements that can not be proved to my satisfaction. lO SrxTra a T1 d. cry stiletto?'
 "Yes." was the hesitating answer, and the dark eyes swept him be- seeching glance that made Miss Bas- com fairly snort with scorn.
 "Where is it?"
 just where Miss Bascom says 1t is-- unless she has removed 1t. Tell me. NIT. Cray" and Miss Mystery sud denly resumed her most independent air. must I submit to this2 thought accused people were entitled to a. oh, you know, counsel-a lawer, or somebody to take care of them"
 wait, Miss Austin. You're not ac- cused yet-that is, not by legal au-
 "oh. am I not? Then--' and she gave Miss Bascom a glance of un- utterable scorn, T have nothing to say;@ ,, ., ,. .,
  most srieked. Nothing to sayl Of course she hasn't! She kills man, takes his valuables, and then delares she has nothing to say"
 "Now, now, Miss Bascon, be cares full Why did you put your stiletto in such place, Miss Austin
 "I don't know"
 The dark eyes gave him gaze of childlike innocence, and Cray couldn't decide whether he was looking at a deep-dyed criminal or a helpless victim of unjust suspicion.
 And where did you get the money and the ruby pin?"
 q don't know-I mean I don't know how they got in my room. This lady says she founu them there that's all I know about them.'
 An indifferent shrug of tho slim shoulders seems to imply that was all Miss Mystery cared. either. and Cray asked:
 Then, if the valuables--the pin and the money are not yours, you are, of course, ready to relinquish possession of them"
 "Of course am not Since I am accused of stealing them. I propose to retain possession until that accus- ation is proved or disproved! Perhaps Miss Bascom wishes to take them herself"
 You know. Miss Austin" Mir. Cray spoke very gravely, you are making a mistake in treating this matter flippantly, You are in. danger--real danger, and you must careful what you say Do you want a lawyer?"
 T don't know" the girl suddenly looked helpless. Do yo uthinls T ought to have one?'
 Have you funds
 Yes. l am not a rich---but, neith-' CT am l poor. However, l think l SI aolx il It-iR ne l decide upon any course"
 "Of whom? Perhaps no ono can ad- wise you bette than lean"
 What is your advice. Mir. Cray?"
 The sweet face looked at him hope fully the curved red lips .quivered little as the speaker added. T am very alone"
 Again Miss Bascom sniffed. Unat- tractive herself, she resented with a sort of angry jealousy the appeal ing effect this girl had on men. She knew intuitively that Cray would sympathize with and pity the lonely girl.
 My advice is. Miss Austin. first. that you dispel this mystery that seems to surround you. Tell frankly who you are, what is your errand in Corinth, how you came into posses sion of Dr. Warnings ruby, and why you hid your stilletto, If 1t Is merely one of your sewing instruments"
 Miss Mystery hesitated moment, and then said quietly:
 Your advice is good, Mr. Cray. But, unfortunately, l cannot follow 1t. However, I am willing to state, upon oath, that I did not kill Dr. Waring with that stiletto."
 I'm afraid your oath will be do1bted," Miss Bascom intervened sharply And, too, Mir. Cray, even if thls girl did not strike the fatal blow, she well knows who did! She is in league with the Japanese, Nogi That I am sure of"
 "Nogi." exclaimed Anita.
 "Yes. Nogi." Miss Bascom went on,