Evening capital. [volume] (Annapolis, Md.) 1922-1981, 1923-01-24


questions in the hope that you may be !
able to throw some light upon the
tragedy"
s0h, I'm afraid shall be Of little
assistance as was not at home last
night. she falte1ed.
Il understand said Ralston en-
eouragingly, as the companion dabbed
her eyes with her handkerchief.
Was Hiss Alden entirely alone Them
Yes
Where were yous"
Il went cut for the evening. / did
not return until this morning .
How long have you known Miss
Alaen?"
She was my cousin" Miss Mar
shall replied after a pause. but l
have lived with her for five years"
rs it true that Miss Alden and her
brother were not on good terms?"
Really. don't know. she replied
evasively.
Come now. Miss Marshall" the de-
tective coaxed I'VE must consider
every point if we are to arrive any
where"
We'll, then it is true. AT least it
was until few days ago when the
Senator came to see her. l was not
| present, but from where / sat in the
opposite room could hear their voices
somewhat raised They both had VIC
lent tempers."
Gould you distinguish what they
were saying?"
i No
Tell me, Miss Marshall, why did
Miss Alden buy hydrofluoric acid?''
Il did not know she had bought it,:
was not with her at the time. She
used the acid to remove enamel from
china which had been fired. Painting
was her only fad = china painting,
and she did 1t beautifully"
"one thing more. Do you know OF
any one who could have wished your
Cousins life? You know her acquain-
tance. Have you any suspicion?"
No." she affirmed after moments
consideration; but her words lacked
conviction, and her eyes, which had
until now met the detectives steadily
wavered.
At that instant step was heard
. outside the studio. Ralston flung
open the door, in his haste nearly col
! liding with young man who stood in
the hall.
who are your" demanded the de
: tective abruptly.
Victor Roland" answered the in
truder with evident surprise. I'm G
! relative of Miss Marshall"
Don't you know that no one is per
mitted in this house?''
mo one so informed me. / said
was a relative and the policeman le
me enter. ! am sorry if | disobeyet
orders. am in search of my cousin
Miss Marshall came forward.
: "Mr. Ralston, this is my cousin
! Mr.. Roland" She spoke calmly
! enough, but the watchful detective
noted the LOOK of amazement. not un
| mingled with horror, that for an in
: slant flashed across her face.
, II have been out of the city unit
: today" explained Roland, land / wa
ii extremely shocked to hear of Miss al
! den's death. She was not my relative
but l knew her slightly. Have the
; police found any clue to the-er-mur
, derer?'
!, Murderer? There seems to be n
suspicion of murder in this case
Ralston's sharp eyes fastened them
selves on the newcomer. pleasan
u looking young fellow in the earl,
, twenties.
Il said l had been out of the city
If it is not murder then what is it
Victor Roland was obviously ill a
ease and his pale blue eyes shifte;
t from the older mans gaze.
"A bottle of hydrofiuoric acid
, Miss Marshall's pale face grew il
) possible shade paler-"k knocked
) from the shelf by Ralston paused
land glanced at the companion. She
was leaning aginst the door, her fin
gers twisting and untwisting heI
handkerchief. her eyes fixed with in
tense anxiety upon the speaker
, knocked from the shelf" continued
the detective. "by the cat, appar-
emily"
"0h, Cleopatra" Miss MarshalPs
7 tone expressed relief
Eyes. Miss Alden's pet cat"
! "0h - strange!" murmured the
young man." Her cat. Terrible ac-
} lcident. Thank you. Mr.. Ralston. |
viii not detain you longer | only
{ wished to offer my sympathy to
Mary
: If there is nothing else you wish to
ask" put in Miss Marshall, address
ing the detective. 81 will accompany
Mr.. Roland" And with nod she and
her cousin descended the stairs.
AS matter of routine will take
another look at the studio.v Ralston
said at length. as a door on the floor
below closed noisily. Perhaps the
icat left further evidence"
He was halfway across the long
room while speaking. his keen eyes
Examining the broad shelves Uttered
with china fho &c4,11