Evening star., 1928-06-18
ye were at the Criminal Courts Build-

We were at the Criminal Courts 6uId.
ing.
ada Greene called up this morning.
and asked to see me without delay"
explained Markham. II offered to send
Heath out and, If necessary. to come
myself later on. But she seemed parti-
cularly anxious that shouldn't do that.
and insisted on coming here: said 1t
was matter she could speak Of more
freely away from the house. She seemed
somewhat upset so told her to come
ahead. Then phoned you and notified
Heath"
Vance settled himself and lit a cigar
cite.
II don't wonder she'd grasp at any
chance to shake the atmosphere Of her
surroundings. And, Markham. I've
come to the conclusion that girl knows
something that would be highly valu-
able to our inquiry. It's quite possible.
don't y know. that she's now reached
a point where she'll tell us what's on
her mind"
AS he spoke the sergeant was an
nounced. and Markham briefly ex-
planned the situation to him.
1T looks to me-" said Heath gloomily.
but with interest, like it was our only
chance of getting lead. We haven't
| learned anything ourselves that's worth
| a damn, and unless somebody spills
few suggestions we're up against it
Ten minutes later Ada Greene was
ushered into the Office. Though her
pallor had gone and her arm was no
longer in sling. she still gave one the
impression Of weakness. But there was
none of the tremulousness or shrinking
IN her bearing that had heretofore
| characterized her.
| She sat down before Markham's desk.
and for while frowned up at the sum
light. as If debating how to begin.
| Its about Rex. Mr.. Markham" she
said finally. =! really don't know
| whether I should have come here or
| MOTT may be very disloyal Of me.
q. - She gave him look Of appeal
ing indecision. "Oh, tell me: If per-
son knows something-something bad
and dangerous-about some one very
close and very dear, should that person
tell, when 1t might make terrible
trouble''
THAT all depends" Markham an
swered gravely. In the present cir
might be helpful to solution Of the
murder of your brother and sister, It's
your duty to speak"
Even If the thing were told me in
confldence?" she persisted. And the
person were member Of my family?"
Even under those conditions, I
think" Markham spoke paternally.
Two terrible crimes have been COM
mitted, and nothing should be held
back that might bring the murderer to
justice-whoeve he may be-"
The girl averted her troubled face
for a moment. Then she lifted her
head with sudden resolution.
III tell you. You know you
asked Rex about the shot in nv room.
and he told you he didn't hear it. Well,
he confided in me. Mr.. Markham: and
ne did hear the shot. But he was afraid
to admit it lest you might think it
funny he didn't get up and give the
alarm
why do you think he remained in
bed silent, and pretended to every one
he was asleep?" Markham attempted
to suppress the keen interest the girls
information had reused In him.
That's what don't understand. He
wouldn't tell me. But he had some
reason-I know he did!-some reason
that terrified him. begged him TO
tell me. but the only explanation he
gave was that the shot was not all he
Not ALI" Markham spoke with i'll
concealed excitement. ne heard
something else that. you say, terrified
him? But why shouldn't he have told
J us about it?"
; That's the strange part Of It. He
got angry when I asked him. But
, there's something he knows-some
; awful secret; feel sure of it. 4.
| Oh, maybe I shouldn't have told you.
Maybe it will get Rex into trouble. But
felt you ought to know because Of the
: frightful things that have happened
thought perhaps you could talk 20
, Rex and make him tell you what's On
his mind"
Again she looked beseechinzly a.
, Markham. and there was the anxiety of
, vague fear in her eyes.
, ''Ofl. I do wish you'd ask him-and
, try TO find out" she went on, IN
pleading tone. I'D fesl-ssfer If !:
Markham nodded and patted he
hand
We'll tty to make him talk
Continued in Tomorrow's starr