The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1927-09-30


sumed her role of playful indiffer
cnce.
II never inquired into the max
or calibcr of Captain Leacock's fire
arms" she returned carclessly.
And is it not 4 fact" pursued
Markham's impcrtmbab!e voice
that Captain Lcacock lent you hi{
pistol when he called at your apart
ment on the morning before thd
murdcr?"
ITS most ungallant Of you, MrI
Markham" she reprinanded HIM
coyly, ITO inquire into the personal
relations Of an engaged couple, fod
l am betrothed to Captain Leacocl5
though you probably know it al
ready"
Markham stood up, controlling
himself with effort.
Am | to understand that you re-
fuse to answer any Of my questions i
or 10 cndeavor to eytcicate YOURSELF
from the very serious position you|
are in ?"
She appeared TO consider.
Yes she said slowly, II haven't
anything | 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 2" he
asked ominously. THE facts know
regarding your connection with the
case, coupled with your refusal to
offer Il single eXtenuating explana-
tion, give me more grounds than II
actually need to order your being
held"
] WIS watching her closely as he
spoke, and il seemed to me that her
eyelid; dropped involuntarily the
mcrcst fraction Of an inch Blu. she
gave no other indicator Of being
affected by the announcement, and
merely looked at the district at
torNey with an air of defiant amuse-
ment.
Markham. with sudden contrac-
ton Of the Jaw. turnce and reached
toward a beil-button beneath the
edge Of his desk.
But, in doing so, his glance fell
upon Vance; and he paused indie
cisively. The look he ad cncoun-
tered on the others face was one
of reproachful amazem mt. not only
did 1t express complete sur rise at
his apparent decision, but it stated.
more cloqucntly than words could
have done, that he was about to
commit an act of irreparablc folly.
There were several moments of
tense silence in the room Then
calmly and unhurr.cdly Miss st.
Clair opened her -aiity-cas- and
powdered her nose. When she had
finished. she turned Il serene gaze
upon the district attorney.
"Wcll. do YOU want to arrest me
now" she asked.
Markham regarded her for mo-
ment. celebrating. Instead of an
swering at once, he went to the win
dow and stood for ii full minute
looking down upon the bridge Of
signs which connects the criminal
courts building with the tombs.
mo, ! think not today" he said
slowly.
He stood while longer IN alb
sorbed contemplation: then. as if
shaking off his mood Of irresolu-
ton, he swung about and con-
frontcd the woman.
"l'm not going to arrest you-
yet" he reiterated, a bit hatshly.
But I'm going tn order y0u u re-
main in New York for the present.
And if You attempt to leave, you
will he arrested. / hope that Is
clear"
He pressed button, and his see-
rotary entered.
"Swacker, please escort Miss st,
Clay downstairs, and call q taxicab
for her. Then you can go homa
yourself"
She rose and gave Markham .
little nod.
You were very kind to lend mo
my cigaret-holder, she said nleas-
antly laying il on his desk.
Without another word, she walked
calmly from the room.
The door had no more than closed
behind her when Markham pressed
button. In few moments
the door leading into the outer cor
ridor opened. and white-haired,
man appeared.
Ben" ordered Markham hur-
riedly, have that woman that
Swacker,s taking downstairs fol-
lowed. Keep her under surveillance,
and don't let her get lost. She's
not to leave the ity-understand
It's the st. Clair woman Tracy dug
up"
When the man had gone. Mark
ham turned and stood clowcring at
Vance.
"What do you think Of your in
nocent young lady now?' he asked,
with an air Of belligerent triumph.
Mice ecl-ch. WHAT" replied
Vance blandly. '.Extr'ordin'ry con
troll. And she's about to marry
professional milit'ry man! All,
well. -. Y know, ! was afraid
for a moment you We're actu'lly
going to send for the manacles. And
if you had, Markham old dear, you'd
have regretted it to your dying day."
ITO be Continued)
The lowest temperature ever re-
corded in the United States was at