New Britain herald., 1927-09-30


 ated, 4 different type Of district at torney would no doubt have at tempted 10 use the pressure Of hi office 10 force her into a nor, amenahle frame of mind. But Mark ham shrank instinctively from tn, nludgeoning, threatening methods or the ordinary public prosecutor especially in his dealings with wom en.
 In the present case, however, hat II not been for Vance's strictures al the club, he would no doubt have taken a more aggressive stand. Bu, 1t was evident he was laboring un. l der 8 burden Of uncertainty super. induced by Vance's words and aug. mented by the evasive department of the woman herself.
 i After a moments silence he ask. ed grimly:
 You did considerable speculating through the firm Of Benson and l Benson. did you not?" { faint ring of musical laughter greeted this question.
 op' t4-dl t4ic ucdI IAdJOE Ias been telling tales. Yes, I've been gambling most extravagantly. And I had no business to do 1t. I'm afraid I'm avaricious."
 And is 1t not true that you've lost heavily Of late-that. in fact, MT, Alvin Benson called upon you for additional margin and finally sold out your securities?"
 T wish to heaven 1t were not true" she lamented, with a look of simulated tragedy. Then: Am I supposed to have done away with MT. Benson out Of sordid revenge, or as an act of just retribution?"
 She smiled archly and waited ex- pectantly, as if her question had been part of q guessing game.
 Markhams eyes hardened as he coldly enunciated his next words
 'Is is not a fact that Captain Philip Leacock owned just such a pistol as Mir, Benson was killed with a IS army Colt automatic?"
 At the mention of her fance's name she stiffened perceptibly and caught her breath. The part she had been playing fell from her. and a faint flush suffused her cheeks and extended to her forehead. But almost Immediately she had re- sumed her role of playful indiffcr- ence.
 T never inquired into the make of caliber of Captain Leacock's fire arms,' she returned carelessly.
 And is it not a fact" pursued Markham's imperturbable voice, that Captain Leacock lent you his pistol when he called at your apart ment on the morning before the 
 Its most ungallant of you. Mr she reprimanded him coyly, ito inquire into the personal relations Of an engaged couple; for am bctrothed to Captain Leacock though you probably know it 
 Markham stood up, controlling himself with effort.
 Am l to understand that you re- fuse to answer any of my questions or to endeavor to eXtricate yourself from the very serious position you are in 2"
 She appeared to consider.
 Yes" she said slowly, T haven't l care especially to say just now"
 Markham leaned over and rested both hands on the desk
 DO you realize the possible con- sequences of your attitude" he asked ominously. The facts I know regarding your connection with the case, coupled with your refusal to offer a single eXtenuating eXplana- ion, give me more grounds than I actually need to order your being held"
 l was watching her closely as he spoke and it seemed to me that her ayelids dropped involuntarily the nercst fraction of an inch. But she ! gave no other indication of being Affected by the pronouncement, and merely looked at the district attoE- ley with an air of defiant a1nuse- nent.
 Markham, with sudden contrac- ion of the jaw, turned and reached '. oWard a bell-button beneath the . adge of his desk.
 But, in doing so. his glance fell lpon Vance; and he paused inde- oisively. The look he had encount- sred on the others face was one 1f reproachful amazement: not only | lid 1t express complete surprise at | lis apparent decision, but it stated, | more eloquently than words could have done, that he was about to an act of irreparable folly.