Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1923-06-17

He must suspect you. l should say
and tried to shield you that way"
Gould he?" asked Miss Mystery
hopefully.
child. he couldn't. but l can. You can
trust yourself to me, and you'll have
no trouble. no trouble at all. You've
got Mr.. Saltonstall, here, and me for
friends. Something tells me YOU
won't need anybody else. Wen pull
you through Ell. Old Salt?"
Though accustomed TO the nick
name from the townspeople. Mr.
Adams didn't relish it from this
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 a quick eye could have caught
a feeting look of dismay on her face,
as Anita promptly responded, No
not that / know Of"
"Faisehood number one" said
is she up to?'
Hut aloud. he only said:
"All right. Now. why did you come
TO Corinth?"
To sketch. said Anita glibly and
smiling at him I'm an artist. you
"Yes--I see. Now. just why did
you hide that stiletto of yours"
II was frightened. | was afraid
they would think l killed DR..
! Warning"
Why did you fear that"
oh. don't know" She was al
most tiippant now. Those detectives
! are so queer, they're likely to suspect
anybody. And they said the weapon
used was round sharp instrument,
/ 500 | hid the thing"
You didn't use that to kill him.
/ "Uh, no.
What did YOU use?"
Il didn't kill him"
| who did,"
~ think he killed himself"
, Mr.. Adams Trask turned to the
J old man. please leave us two alone
| for few moments. l ask you as a
Without a word Old Salt left the
| room.
Now. look here. Miss Austin"
| Trask said. IN determined tone, IL
know YOU killed that man as we'll as
! l know you're here. Also. / know
! why. Or, at least. | don't know eX-
actly why, but have knowledge that
| will lead straight to a revelation OF
| the whole affair. | know you arc re-
/ lated TO the ruesdells-though per-
! hapS You don't know that yourself
! Now. here's my proposition. I'm a
lawyer. and I'm known as a shrewd
! one. Many a time I've made black
appear white-and | can do il in your
case. Buff 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 cousin S
! death. I'm rich man.
! You may not love me yet-but I'll
! guarantee ] can win your affection.
/! | fell in love With YOU the very min
! ute l saw You and | want you for my
| wife. You needn't marry me now
/ wait as long as you Say-but give me
, your promise. and I'll clear you OF
| All suspicion in this terrible affair.
| ON the other hand
| There was a pause. and then Anita
| said:
"On the other fand?'
! Il shall tell what I know about you
! and. we'll. YOU know yourself what
, chance YOU will have then of getting
! off scotfree.
: "A threat" and Miss Mystery flung
/ up her proud little head.
! NO; don't misunderstood. Not a
! threat. But I admit. a bride Marry
me. and I'll free you. Say no-and
| I don't have to do Il thing. The law
/ will do il all You simpleton! DO you
! suppose you can keep your secret
| once the law really begins to hound
| you? Cray is only just opening his
| eyes to your connections with the
case. Lockwood has realized that
! you must be guilty, though he's try
! ing hard not to believe il. Old Salt
| only befriends you because you're
helpless and pretty-nOt because he