The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1927-06-25
CHAPTER XII

CHAPTER XII
He was holding her hand with
his and his right was stroking 1t
much as he might stroke a cats
back. She felt that she must
scream if he didn't stop it soon.
What was it he was trying to say?
He told her.
"I've been wondering" he went
on, still smiling and continuing to
stroke her hand, eff there were any
real understanding between Dinny
Morrison and you. 1t has occurred
to me that Dinny might be tn
reason for your refusal when I
asked"
"Why-why, Donald Keene!"
The cry broke involuntarily from
the girl. 1t was followed closely by
half-strangled sob, as she jerked
her hand from his and jumped to
her feet. He looked at her in mild
surprise.
whats tn matter, Ted?" he
asked, plainly disturbed by her dis
play of feeling. WAS it anything
I said-?"
He stopped. She had turned and
was looking at him questioningly,
fighting hard to keep the tears
back. Was it possible that Don
didn't realize what his words i'm
piled?
what was your reason for asking
me that-about Dinny?" queried
Teddy after long pause.
"Why-er-well, you're under my
care, you know, and, of course, I'm
interested in my wards heart prob
len1s," he replied lamely, and looked
away from her.
well, if that's all, I'd rather not
discuss it," she said in a dull voice.
He glanced back and into her
turned face. Her slender
body was shaking slightly. He rose
and lit a cigaret, cursing himself
for his stupidity. Of course, the
poor kid was hurt. How beautiful
her devotion seemed. He expert
enced momentary thrill of exauta-
ton. Swift on the heels of that
came self-reproach. He was a vain,
selfish cad, he told himself saw
agely.
"Oh, Don, come here!"
He wheeled swiftly as the girls
whisper reached him. Teddy was
standing with her ear close to the
wall separating the real estate from
the law firms Office. All signs of
hurt we're gone from her face. 1t
was eager now. alive with interest
in the exciting game they were
playing
For it was a game, and a big
game, too, this plot to get evidence
on the Ring-the evidence so
necessary to convince the grand
jury that an indictment against
the Waldens was justif1able.
He stepped across to where she
stood.
Il just caught few words" she
told him hurriedly, her eyes shin
ing. young Walden said--he must
have spoken extra loud-he said: I
tell you that's all paid for, tn Pop
Brooks job. One grand. TIL KILN
of Valetti saved us two grand. TIL
other That's all I caught. All
you en- hear now is just a rumble.
Listen!"
They stood for a moment, their
ears to the wall. The low murmur
of voices came to them, but indis-
tinctly, the words of the speakers
entirely unintelligible.
Were in luck, / think" said Don
finally, in tone just above whis-
per. I'm luck" he went on, replying
to the question in Teddy's eyes,
THAT they picked this particular
time to speak of matters pertaining
to pop. Anything they may say
along that line will be of value in
securing an indictment Just that
one statement about Pop Brooks
job will 60 far to hook 'em!"
The girl nodded understandingly.
"And we'll have t. wait until
t'night?" She spoke tentatively.
Got to wait" he replied, smiling
at her impotence. mo chance to
get that cylinder while there's any
body around. It'll take five min
utes to make tn change-take this
one out and replace it with another.
For we can't be sure, you know he