The Washington times., 1923-02-08

fathomless. Looking into them,
the reproach died out in Wander.
bent's own. The pleading that
should have been in Clancy's APP
peared in Vandervent's, although
he undoubtedly was unconscious
of the fact.
On the way there's he had been
aware OF himself as trained
lawyer confronted with a des-
perate, a possibly tragic situa-
ton. Now he was aware of him.
self only as a man confronting
woman.
He acknowledged the presence
Of the Walbroughs and of Ram
dali with carelessness that
seemed quite natural to. the older
people but which made Randall
eye the newcomer curiously. In
love himself. Randall was quick
to suspect its existence in the
heart of another man.
49," said Vandervent, ''you
weren't joking with me, Friday,
Ell, Miss Deane?''
She shook her head slowly.
There was something in her man.
ner that seemed to say to him
that. she had transferred her
difficulties to him, and that, if
he were half the man she be-
lieved him to be, he'd accept
them ungrudgingly.
Suppose 1 hear the whole
story" suggested Vandervent.
Intently, he listened as, prompt.
ed by the judge when she slid
over matters that seemed un-
important to her, she retold the
tale of the past week, The Judge
took up the burden of speech as
soon as she relinquished it.
So you see. vandervent. your
job is to- get hold OF this eIeva-,
tor man and persuade him that
his Identification is all wrong"
Vandervent pursued his lips:
he whistled softly.
II haven't as good a memory
as l ought to have, Judge. I
can't recall the exact penalty for
interference with the course of
Justice"
ciancy's eyes blazed.
Judge, please don't ask Mr..
: Vandervent to do anything wrong.
] wouldn't have him take any
risk. l.
Vandervent colored.
Please, Miss Deane. You
should know that intend-that
I will do anything was intend:
ing to be a little humorous"
mo time for humor," grunted
the judge.
Vandervent looked at Mrs. Wal.
brough. Her glance was uncom.
promisingly hostile. Only in Ran
dalls eyes did he read anything
approximately sympathy. And
he resented finding it there.
difficulties-" he be-
gan.
mot muEh difficulty in shut
ting an elevator boys mouth.
is there?" demanded the Judge.
1T isn't as though we were
asking you really to interfere with
the course of justice, Vandervent.
You realize that Miss Deane is in.
nocent, don't you?"
Certainly" said Vanderyent.
"But-I'm an officer of the law,
judge"
Does that mean that you won't
help Miss Deane? Good God?
You aren't going to let a young
woman's name be dragged through
filthy mess like this, are your"
Not if can help it," said Van.
dervent.
That's better" grunted the
judge. But how do you expect to
help it, thought"
"By finding the real murderer
"When?" roared WaIbrough
To-Day"
Vandervent colored again.
''As soon as possible. don't know
when. But to shut up the boy
think it over, judge. He works
for the Vandervent estate, it..
true. But ! don't own his soul
you know. Think of the opportun
tiles for blackmail we give him
It's impossible, :udge-and unnec
essary. If Spofford goes to hin
again, it's the elevator boys wore
against yours. Worthless
And you, of course, knowing
that / lied, would feel compelled
as an officer of the law -"
I'D feel compelled to do moth
ing" snapped Vandervent. "You
word would be taken unreservedIy
by the district attorneys office
The matter ends right there"
CTO BE Continued Tomorrow
(Copyright, 1929. King Features
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