The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1927-10-26
THIS HAS HAPPENED
NOW BEGIN THE STORY
CHAPTER XXXVII


Markham sat up suddenly; then
sank back with a shrug.
Even if it was" he said, II don
see how that helps us. Unless the
Major knew the package had moth
ing to do with the case, he would
not have suggested to 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 - ch,
what? Otherwise, he couldn't de-
termine what was, and what was
not, irrelevant. ] have felt all
along that he knew more than he
admitted.
Don't forget that he put lis on
the track Of Pfyfe, and also that he
was quite pos tive Captain Leacock
was innocent"
Markham thought for several
minutes.
I'm beginning to see what you re
driving At" he remarked slowly.
'Those jewels, after all, may have
an important bearing on the case.
!. I think I'll have a chat with
the Major about things"
Shortly after dinner at the club
that night Major Benson came into
the homegrown where we had re-
tired for our smoke; and Markham
accosted him 1t once.
Major. aren't you willing to help
me 4 little more in getting at the
truth about your brothers death ?"
he asked.
The other gazed at him search
ingly: The infection Of Markham's
voice belied the apparent casual
ness Of the question.
"Cod knows it's not my wish to
put obstacles in your way" he said,
carefully weighing each word. aid
gladly give you any help ! could.
But there are one or two things
can not tell you at this time.
If there was only myself to be con-
sidered," he added, 1T would be diff
ferent."
"But you do suspect someone -
Vance put the question.
I'm = way-yes. ] overheard a
conversation in Alvin's office one
day. that took on added significance
after his DEATH"
"You shouldn't let chivalry stand
in the way" urged Markham. 1T
your suspicion is unfounded, the
truth will surely come out"
but when ! don't know, GER
tainly ought not to hazard a guess, "
affirmed the major. II think it best
that you solve this problem with
out me-"
Despite Markham's opportunities,
he would say no more; and shortly
aftlrward he excused himself and
went out.
Markham, now profoundly wor-
| ried, sat smoking restlessly, tap
ping the arm Of his chair with his
fingers.
aWell. old bean. bit involved,
| WHAT" commented Vance.
TITS not 50 damned funny"
Markham grumbled. Everyone
seems to know more about the case
than the police or the district at
.;rney's office"
w uICU WO010UL DC SO OISCON.
certin' il they Ill weren't so deuced
reticeut," supplemented Vance cheer.
fully.
"And the touchin' part Of It Il
that each Of EN- appears to be keep.
ing still in order to shield some
one else. Mrs. Platx began it: She
lied about Benson's having any
callers that afternoon, because she
didn't want to involve his tea COM
panion. Miss st. Clair declined
oint-blank to tell you anything
because she obviously didn't desire
to cast suspicion on another.
1.-THE Captain became voiceless
the moment you suggested hil
affianced bride was entanglsd. Even
Leander refused to extricate him.
self from .. delicate situation Lest
h implicate another. And now thu
Major! Most annoyin'. Or
the other hand, don't y know, it.,
comfortin'-not 70 say upliftin'-
| to b dealing exclusively with sucl
noble, self-sacrifiein' souls"
4 "Hell!" Markham put down hi
cigar and rose. The case il gel
ting on my nerves. I'm going