Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1926-10-02


ner. but can't help feeling that it's
mighty cruel to raise this little WON
ans hopes unless you have something
definite to Offer. You know Carr and
Burns both Well enough to be certain
that They're not going to accept this
girl Of 1ir. Reynolds daughter unless
YOU can definitely prove that she is
the child VINO was stolen from this
house 16 years ago. You have such
proofs?"
Hell. yes. What do you think I
arr, mOron?"
May ask if they are ~ecent proofs
or If you've had them all along?"
IAN along"
Then you stole the child?"
Look here,' Walter turned fiercely
upon him. What are YOU trying to
do? Put me behind the bars? OF
course. I didn't steal the child"
But you knew where she was7"
after THIEVES"
"Then why didn't you bring her
back"
After my father had kicked me
out. Disinherited me! Made me the
laughing stock of the world. I'm no
shimmering white angel. Hyatt. l
made up my mind that as long as he
u
Strikes me that jury might name
you as accessory to a serious crime.
Hyatt commented; however, that s
not the point. I'm frank to admit that
Burns and I had become convinced
that this child was dead. I'm bowled
over by her sudden appearance. "
Frank continued. That's why l ask
for proofs. I'm under the impression
that YOU will need them when the
codicil Is opened"
whats IN that codicil?"
Burns took it. / only witnessed
the signature. but | know from what
he said that it dealt with the possible
recovery of Mr.. Reynolds daughter"
Walter continued his tramp UP and
down the room whistling, ''Therel Be
a Hot Time in the Old Town Tonight"
and Frank waited for his next move.
We'll" Walter stopped whistling at
last and spoke with a sneer, AS far
as proof is concerned l guess l can
convince any jury, but the case will
never go to a jury, Hyatt. Believe
me, by the time I get through uncov-
ering the family skeleton the whole
crowd will run to cover. No publicity
for them, oh. boy
That so?' unused Frank, Il won.
DER
Look here" Walter resumed, you
can answer a few questions yourself
now. What was Paul Reynolds doing
on that train with Milana and his girl?
Answer me that"
Doing? Travelling West, of course"
Like hell he was! Condolences like
that don't happen, my boy! Who
tipped him off that Milana was max
ing run for his money?
wa, l.p0xry xxyb o1o Inf mora
about Milana than I do" Frank re-
marked. II had never laid my eyes
on the man until that episode on the
train
What episode? You weren't on the
train"
Happened to be-" Walter turned
incredulous eyes upon him.
I'D have seen you
"Oh. no. you wouldn't: besides I
didn't get on until you had left!'
How did you happen to get on?"
Ran down the line to meet Paul"
"Oh. you met Milana them"
saw him, yes. Can't say that I met
him.
But you knew he was Milana"
Yes, he gave his name"
ITO you?"
"Oh, no, to the conductor"
right" Walter flung his words at him
contemptuously. but don't you worry,
I'm sitting on top of the world, right
now, and all the Milanas together
can't frighten me. This girl is Cynthia
Reynolds daughter. and she is going
to get her share Of the estate or I'll
know why"
NO doubt you're right" Frank an
swered calmly; II was only anxious
on Mrs. Reynolds account. She is
still badly knocked out from the shock
of her husbands death and I would
like to spare her any further sorrow.
Shall we join the ladies?" and he re.
turned to the patio. Walter following.
Cynthia was holding the young girl
in her lap, her hands caressing the
tanned cheek, and she raised expectant
eyes to Frank.
lis it all right" she asked breath.
lessly. us Walter sure?"
My dear Cynthia" Walter purred,
ut hurts me to feel that you doubt
my intentions"
"Oh, Walter dear.' Cynthia's eyes
doomed wide, indeed. indeed, don't:
I'm sure that you are right! I was
only thinking Of the legal side. which
I have learned to dread! I am quite
sure that she must be Cynthia. She
has the same hair, the dark eyes and
skin! She is so sweet, SO lovely! Oh,
they couldn't be so cruel as to dispute
my claims to her now. can never
let her out of my sight again! You
won't take her away from me, you
won't"
There, there. Cynthiaw Walter ap-
peared deeply moved. "Of course, l
won't take her away
yfv,<~
through her tears.
and now while you've been comforting
with Frank I've remembered that
when YOU came in he and l were about
to start for Los Angeles to be ready
for the reading Of the codicil. Frank,
dear. if we are taking that ! o'clock
train, as we planned, Cynthia and
must get ready. I am SO unstrung
that l had forgotten everything!
Where are your clothes, my dearest
dear? Did you bring them with your"
But Cynthia" Walter protested,
wait just moment, I have my car
here, we can drive you all in to Los
Angeles-don't rush so..'
I'm mot fit for long drive
Cynthia explained, II have nasty
cold and am all to pieces from this
shock If you'll let little Cynthia help
me pack while you get her bag We'll
ask you 10 drive us all to the train!
Come, little daughter" her arm
went around the girl again. shyly, but
with an unmistakable sweetness. I'm
not used to you yet" she raised a
iainty handkerchief to her eyes, come
dear. Wen be ready in 20 minutes.
Hurry, please Walter"
Cynthia" Frank had been thinking
quickly, "can you find those papers Of
Mr.. Reynolds? l ought to have them
with me-"
She met his eyes and was quick 70
read that he wanted her plans written
a