The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1923-11-03
CHAPTER XII
The Unanswered Charge

/ Hennig jerked himself free OF the
restraining arm and strobe straight
/ for Gilchrist. Daniel turned to meet
/ him, bewildered but with that calm
/ look OF unafraid in his eyes. Jerry
waited uncertainty and Glare looked
on with tense interest.
"You-Gilchrist," stormed the irate
intruder. 'Where've you got my
w.fe?"
Il haven't got your wife. Hennig"
| Giichrists answer was as dispassion-
ate as the query was frenzied.
The hell you haven't" shouted
Hennig
Gilchrist turned quickly to Glare.
You'd better CO." he said
Jerry was more sure OF himself
now.
Il want her to stay" he interceded
firmly What's it all about, Stedt-
MANI"
You can search me" was the an
swer. ''Umansld stuck to us all the
way home. When he left. went in
to have a talk with Joe alone-see?
There was a telegram and he read it
and
And came here to ask Gilchrist:
Where's my wife?' - Hennig put in.
She told me she was going to her
sisters" Daniel answered coolly.
She amt never been near her sis
ter and you know it," ragged Hennig.
Il just got this from her sister" He
held yellow slip TO Jerry. Read it,
Jerry read: Pearl amt here. We
amt seen her. Amt she homer"
Gilchrist heard, then turned to Hen
mig.
Maybe she is" he said.
You know she amt" said Joe.
And If she is now? I don't want
your leavings."
Why do you say that?" asked
Daniel calmly.
Amt 1 seen you downtown with
her? Amt 1 found you with her when
came home unexpected? knew you
was stuck on her. and 1 warned you
TO stay away-didn't II"
You were mistaken" said Gilchrist
Didn't I warn your" persisted Hen
mig.
Yes" said Daniel frankly.
And you come again-didn't your"
Yes"
Jerry turned scoffing eyes on Clare.
Every mar-but one"' he sneered.
Il went first on your account" said
Daniel. his eyes on Hennig and with
no ear for Jerry's scorn. They told
me you were in debt-and 1 went
again because she asked me to. This
disappearance looks queer, I admit.
but people do get lost. or hurt. and
fed" Gilchrist's calm had sent the
thought we'll into Hennig's fever.
You think" he started. with a
trace of conviction.
81 think your wife's all right. joe"
Gilchrist resumed. IT don't think
you ought to accuse her publicly until
you're sure she's not
"How'm I gonna be sure" Joe
queried rather helplessly
Suppose We ask the police to look
for her" suggested Daniel.
Jerry saw the situation slipping
He was quick TO step in.
What's the use of starting a hui
labalOo," he shot. You don't want
the woman accused publicly. but
you're willing to spread the news so
this manT be ashamed to go back
home. We all know the facts in the
case, and the least said about It now
the better" He turned to Joe.
you've found her out. Let her go
and forget it
II don't think he ought to forget
it" 1t was the first time Clare had
spoken. She had been surveying It
all thoughtfully, doubhngly. uncer.
tainly.
mo-" queried Jerry, eyebrows
arched.
No" said Clare 81 don't think
he ought to drop 1t now-until we
alt know the truth"
Right" said Gilchrist, nodding.
Il got to know the truth" put in
HennIg 81 been crazy about her
Maybe that's a good idea-the police
1 got to know the truth"
Again Jerry felt the peril of the
situation This time his action had
to be positive. not just negative.
"All right" he cut in. "Stedtman!
Where were you yesterday"
AT the mines" answered the be-
wildered Max.
What part Of the mines?"
"Ag over"
did you see Gilchrist?"
No"
Daniel was staring at Clare now.