The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1927-12-30
CHAPTER V-Continued

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well, 1 wouldn't struggle like that
for q theory" he said, the profess
sional note coming back TO his voice.
The cashiers missing-that's the an
swer"
Then you don't think there's a
chance that the money from the Union
bank is in this house?" persisted Miss
CorneIia-
y think it very unlikely"
Miss Cornelia put her knitting away
and rose. She still clung teuaciously
10 her own theories-but her belief
In them had been badly shaken.
IF youu come with me, I'll show
you 10 your ROOM" she said, little
stif1y. The detective stepped back
10 let her pass.
Sorry 10 spoil your little theory"
he said, and followed her TO the door.
If either had noticed the u7obtrusive
listener TO their conversation, neither
made q sign.
The moment the door had closed
on them, Dale sprang into action.
She seemed a different girl from the
one who had left the room so incon-
spicuously such a short time before
there were two bright spots Of color
in her cheeks and she was obviously
tailoring under great excitement. She
went quickly TO the alcove doors
they opened softly-disclosing the
young man who had said that he was
Brooks the new gardener-and yet
not the same young man-for his as
sUmed air Of servitude had dropped
from him like a cloak, revealing him
as q young fellow at least of the
same general social class as Dale's
II not a fellow-inhabitan of the Sc
lect circle where Van Gorders re-
volyed about Van Gorders, and a
mans great-grandfather was more
important than the man himself.
Dale cautioned him with a warning
finger as he advanced into the room.
.'Sh! Sh!" she whispered. BE
careful! That mans a detective!"
Brooks gave a hunted glance at the
door into the hall.
Then they've traced me here" he
said in detected voice.
u don't think So"
He made a gesture OF helplessness.
Il couldn't get back to my rooms"
he said in a whisper. IF they've
searched them" he paused, "as they're
sure tO-theyu find your letters TO
me" He paused again.
thing?'
mo, I told her I'd engaged a gar
dener-and that's all there was
about it,
He came nearer TO her. Dale"
he murmured in a tense voice. You
know I didn't take that money! he
said, with boyish simplicity.
All the loyalty Of first-love was in
her answer.
of course. I believe in you abso-
lutely!" she said. He caught her in
his arms and kissed her-gratefully-
passionately. Then the CALLING mem
DRY Of the predicament in which be
stoOd-the hunt already on his trail
came back 10 him. He released her
gently, still holding one Of her hands.
"But-the police hereI" he STAN
mered, turning away. "What does
that mean?"
Dale swiftly informed him of the
situation.
Aunt Cornelia says people have
been trying TO break into this house
for days-at night"
Brooks ran his hand through his
hair in a gesture Of bewilderment,
Then he seemed TO catch at a hope
What sort of people?'' he queried
sharply.
Dale was puzzled "She doesn't
know"
The excitement in her lovers man.
ner came 10 a head. THAT proves
exactly what I've contended right
along" he said, thudding one fist soft
iy in the palm OF the other. Through
some underneath channel old Flem-
ing has been selling those securities
for months, turning them into cash.
And somebody knows about it. and
knows that that money is hidden here.
Don't you see? Your Aunt Cornelia
has grabbed the game by coming
here"
why didn't you tell the police
that? Now they think, because you
ran away"
Ran awayI The only chance /
had was a few hours TO myself TO
try to prove what actually happened"
why don't you tell the detective
what you Think" said Dale at her
wits end. THAT Courtleigh Fleming
took the money and that it is still
here?"
Her lovers face grew somber-
He'd take me into custody ar once
and I'd have no chance TO search"
He was searching now-h:s eyes
roved about the ving-room-walls-
ceiling hopefully esperately-lock-
Ing for a clew-the tiniest clew to
support his theory.
why are you so sure it Is here?"
Queried Dale.
Brooks explained. You must re-