The Bismarck tribune., 1929-03-15
February Index of Better Business Despite Hampeg Snow
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Then you expected to make an
other attempt to carry out your plan
which had miscarried?" McMann sus
gested.
Again the woman shrugged. m
plans never included anything NOR
sinister than an earnest appeal t.
Mr.. Borden's generosity"
"You say that"-McMann pretended
honest amazement-"in face Of tn,
threat in this last letter Of yours
this threat against Borden's life?"
He reached for the letter, reat
again that damning sentence: But
Harry, in all solemnity. I warn vol
that you will be sorry II you do moi
do what I askv"
81 admit that it is threat,
Martha Manning said coolly, ther
flashed a brief, almost affectionate
smile at Ruth Lester as the girl
gasped. But it happens, Mr.. Nc
Mann, that it is not threat against
MIR. Borden's life. When I saw him
Christmas Eve, by ruse-just as
saw him Friday night warned him
that If he did not voluntarily make
adequate provision for our son,
should institute legal proceedings to
force him to do SO.
Il have an abundance Of document
ary evidence, including a number Of
letters from Mr.. Borden In which he
more than admits paternity-boasts
of it, in fact: also letters to my little
son from his-father." Her voice fall
tered over that name for the mur-
dered man, but her head remained
high and proud.
Had you taken steps to institute
such legal proceedings?" McMann
asked, with obvious skepticism.
II had-not." the woman admitted
reluctantly. "I-had no money, and
l wanted Harry-Mr. Borden-to be
spared the consequent notoriety,
hence my repeated appeals"
McMann drummed on the desk top
for a long minute, and was about to
speak when Birdwell interrupted with
the registered sheets from the loose
leaf register kept by the elevator men
of the Starbridge building. The de-
tective snatched at them, then after
a moments study, he smiled that
twisted, cynical smile of his and said:
Suppose you tell me all about Fri
day night, Miss Manning-your fol-
lowing of Borden, and your cleverly
managed interview with him."
Il shall be glad to-" Miss Manning
assured him composedly, though Ruth
saw that the tell-tale hands were
locking and unlocking nervously in
her lap. "I-happened to be walking
in this block-on the sidewalk oppo-
site the Starbridge Building, when I
saw Mr. Borden and a man whom
recognized as 'Jake'-the man who
had been with Mr.. Borden on Christ
mas Eve when talked with him.
You referred to him as Jake Bailey
few minutes ago, but did not know
his last name until then"
She paused, and Ruth had an op.
portunity to note an almost ludicrous
expression Of chagrin on the detec-
lives face. a*--rt ses
"Well! Go on!" McMann ordered
"As they turned in toward the en-
rance Of the building, started across
he street, and was afraid Mr.. Bor-
len had seen me, for he glanced over
his shoulder just before he entered
he storm doors, behind Jake. I
waited until I was fairly sure the
elevator had risen with them, and
hen too entered through the storm
loors and, as the lobby was deserted,
opened the door leading to the stair.
way and walked up"
"Just what time was this?" Nc
Iann asked, his frowning eyes on the
egister sheet which had recorded the
ime as well as the name Of all ar
ivals and departures on Friday night.
Il can't say, exactly, since I-no
onger own watch" Miss Manning
admitted, the bitter lines between
lostrils and mouth deepening. Poor
thought-even the watch
hat Borden must have given her with
lis love had gone toward paying for
he support of the child Of that love.
But it was about half-past eight"
X **
And although Martha Manning was
lowly destroying the case which Ruth
lester had, with what she considered
luite remarkable ingenuity. built
lgainst "the woman with the con-
ratio voice. the girl could hardly
;eep from smiling at the deepening
hagrin on the detectives face.
"Well-Why these dramatic pauses?"
le demanded irritably.
lam rather short Of BREATH" the
admitted, but with no hint Of
J bid for sympathy. II walked up.
esting frequently, for was In no
hurry. had no intention Of trying
o see Harry while the man Jake was
With him. I could only hope that
lake would not stay long. and that !
hould have an opportunity to speak
With Harry-Mr. Borden-alone."
And did you?" McA6ann prodded
her, as she again paused. He had to
vait, however. until . spasm Of
had spent itself.
when I reached the seventh floor,
found the corridor deserted. and
walked softly to Mr.. Borden's office"
Hiss Manning went on at last. after
labbing at her lips with the ink
tained handkerchief. II listened, and
leard family the sound Of voices. !
Inew that Jake was still with Mr..
Borden, so I withdrew to the head Of
he stairway again. and waited. listen-
ng through q crack In the door.
after several minutes I heard foot
Iteps, and peeped out. Jake was ct
he elevator. When It had taken him
n o,ad mae essa l&s s,tas, Aovxn Z ran