The Daily Alaska empire., 1931-03-02
Chapter IS
AUDREY'S SECRET

ling WCulU III dlly CdSt llhFS DSSii an outstanding local event, but the remarkable circumstances of her death and the inscrutable mys- tery that enveloped it brought to- gether an enormous concourse to witness the burial. The shops in the village were closed and the streets were lined with people from the surrounding districts who were unable to find accommodation in the little church.
 Donald, Nancy and Jimmie went to the service from the Wade home. where Jimmie had just re- ceived the phone invitation to play golf with Audrey Winford the next morning. AS they walked toward the church, Jimmie speculated vain- ly as to what message she had for him.
 They were in the church now witnessing the simple service, with out flowers or display, decreed in the mysterious missing will that now had assumed such an impor- tant place in the mystery. The vicar had on the Sunday before paid his respects to the lady ot Merrow Craig and he did not re- peat his eulogy. There was one hymn and then the casket wa. carried to the churchyard.
 Marjorie, Evelyn and Vincent stood by the graveside as curious glances of sympathy, envy or doub were cast their way. The story ol Vincent's evening visit had becoms known and the suggestion tha' Marjorie and Dr. Netherton coule tell more if they chose were widel! felt.
 Both Marjorie and Evelyn bor' themselves with simple dignity.
 Their mourning dresses empha' sized their pallor and they seemet hardly aware of their surround ings. Vincent locked more self. conscious. Licnel Duckworth ane MT. Morgan were close behind tht chief mourners. Major Gresham was with them. Nearby stood Cap. tain Stirling. Bill Netherton wa. present but in the background. Al the servants from Morrow Craif attended.
 After the last word had beer spoken by the vicar and the crowt moved away, Jimmie came acros the lawyer, Morgan, and asked l he had news Of the missing will Nothing had been learned, he said at the bank or elsewhere and step to establish an intestacy would like ly be taken soon, the family mean while remaining at the house.
 Nancy had promised Mrs Meth erton to bring Jimmie over late in the day and it was pleasant t receive her hospitality at Corne Cottage and to put aside the sa, recollections of the funeral. He visitors admired her little hous and her garden blazing with brigh blossoms, while as tea was serve she talked to them happily abou many matters. But 1t was inevi table that the conversation shoul turn, sooner or later, to the on engrossing local topic.
 T did not go to the funeral" sh told them. Poor Annabelle Querd ling. A sad end for her, and a sa beginning for the girls Bill tol me about the inquest. He though Dr. Burbeck very long winded."
 Jimmie wondered what exactl Bill had said, He thought probable the old lady had bee spared an account of the hardl yelled insinuations against her bo' Her indignation would have bee far stronger had she even sus pected them.
 "Oh, there you are, Bill,". sai Mrs. Netherton, as her son crosse the lawn. He sat by them as te was poured, but after few polit remarks lapsed into a preoccupie silence.
 Anything special in your rount tcday-meet anybody" Mrs. Netf erton asked.
 No" Then with some sort of a effort he pulled himself togeth' and smiled at her. Just the trivi round, the common task you know
 Jimmie thought there was hardness in his expression that hs not, been there before. What WI the cause of it?
 If you please. sir, Miss Blake on the telephone" The maid can from the house with the message
 "Oh, it is Marjorie. Bill. Sl rang up before. Poor childl I vol der what she wants. I hope no ol is ill"
 The old lady's tone showed sl was entirely unaware of the r mor that connected her sor name with that of their pret neighbor. Jimmie. too, wonder what Marjorie wanted. Possib if he knew that. he would be nea CT to the complete solution of Il