New Britain herald., 1927-10-26
NOW BEGIN THE STORY

IT AT l -N-NN II
 Mark ham sat mp suddenly; then sank back with a shrug.
 Even if if was" he said, 'T don't see how that helps us. Unless the Major knew the package had noth- ing to do with the case, he would not have suggested 10 his secretary that she omit telling us about It."
 "Ah. But if the Major knew that the package was an irrelevant item in the case then he must also know something about the case = eh, what? Otherwise. he couldn't de termine what was, and what was not irrelevant. I have felt all along that he knew more than he admitted.
 Don't forget that he put us on the track of Pfyfe, and also that he was quite positive Captain l"acock was innocent
 Markham thought for several minutes.
 "I'm beginning 10 see what you're driving at" he remarked slowly. "Thoso jewels. after all. may have an important bearing on the case. think Jll have a chat with tho ior about things
 Shortly after dinner at the club that night Ma ior Benson cam" into the loungo-room where we had re- tired for our smoke: and Markham accostel him al once.
 Major aren't you willing to help mo q little more in g"tting at the truth about your brothers death "' he asked.
 The other gal"d at him search irgly: the infection of Markhams $ voice beicd the apparent casual ness of the question.
 God knows it's not my wish 10 put obstacles in your Way,' he said, carefully weighing each. word. "1'd gladly give you any help could. But there are one or two things J can not tell you at this time. .. II there was only myself 10 be con- sdercd." he added. it would be different"
 "Hut you do suspect somcone"' "' 1 Vance put the question. ! "In q way-yes. I overheard a conversation In Alyin's office one day, that took on added significance after his doath."
 i "You shouldn't y' chiNalry stand i in the way.' urged Markham. If your suspicion is unfoundod, the truth will surely come out"
 "Rut when ! don't know. I cer- i tainlv ought not Co hazard q guess, ! affirmed th" major. 'I think it best that you solve this problem with out me"
 Dospitc Marllham's importunities he would say no more; and shortly aftcrward he excused him self and went out.
 Mark ham, now profoundly wor- rIod, sat smoking rostlrssly. tap ping the arm of his chair with his fingers.
 "Wrll old bean, 2 bit involved NhutH" commented Vance.
 "I's not so danncd funny NarEhnm @rumbled, "Evcryon' srnms 10 know more about tho cas- than the polio" or the district at ] tornay's office"
 (Which wouldn't be so discon cortiu' if they all weren't 90 deuccC r"tic"nt." supplemented Nanc chrorfully.
 "Ana rhc touchin' part of it i that each of 'em app"ars to he keep ing sill in order 10 shield some ! one else. Mrs. rlatz began it: sh lied about B"nson's having an callers that afternoon. hccaus" sh didn't want to involve his tea com panion. Miss St. Clair declne poinf-hlank 10 'ell you anything because she obviously didn't 1esir to cast suspicion on another.
 "Thc Captain became voiceles the moment you suggested hi [ affiancnd bride was entangled. Eve { l.canlnr refused to eNtricat" him self from a delicate situation les hr duplicate another. And now th Major Most annoyin' 70 he other hand. don't y know. lt ,onfor,in n---not 10 say upliftin'~ 10 be dealing exclusively with suc noble. -sacrificin' souls"
 "Holl." Markham put down hi cigar and rose. The case is ge' : ting on my nerves. I'm going { sleep on it. and tackle it in tn