The Washington times., 1931-09-14
CHAPTER xvii

Fanchon went on doggedly,
steadily. She was swaying a
little. The solid wood and
metal Of the great modern
desk was some support. She
leaned against it gratefully.
She tcId Of holding Evelyn's
handbag. OF her belief that
Evelyn had died. OF her fran
tic escape toward help and free
dom. OF the men whom she
met and her lapse into uncon-
sciousneSS. OF the name on
the handkerchief, the name by
which the strangers called her,
and Of her dangerous resolve.
She told them Of what the
doctor had said; that Evelyn
could not live: and how there
fore, in her mad and desperate
desire to bury the dead past.
she had let them think Evelyn
miss Smith" And Of how,
armed with Evelyn's name and
credentials, she had come on to
New York, meeting the report
ers on the way and hearing her
belief that the other girl was
dead confirmed by them.
She Knew Nothing
She told of how Tony had
traced her. Forced her to meet
him. Forced her to accept him.
OF how she knew nothing of
his plans. OF how, finally, he
had told her what he had
planned to do, on the night Of
the Van Suydam ball.
OF how she had appeared
to agree and had herself made
plans; had not put the drug
in Collins highball or in Mrs.
Carstairs' hot milk. But had
waited, listening for Tony,
knowing he would be caught.
OF how she had taken the re-
volver from Collins study that
afternoon and hidden it in her
room. And put the jewels in
the case so that the sound he
would make in removing them
would be heard.
Collin said, suddenly:
why didn't you go through
with it? There was little like
1ihood that if we continued to
believe you-Evelyn-we would
have hunted you and your
companion, down"
Not a Thief
I'm not a thief. Oh I stole
Evelyn's name, of course, and
her position and her place in
your affections. Yet, thinking
her dead, I couldn't believe I.
had done any great wrong. Nor
did I feel I would wrong you
very much either I was
willing to serve you on my
knees" she said directly to
Jennie Carstairs, because of
the kindness, the love you
showed me. And IL.
! loved you," said Fanchon.
Jennie's eyes were wet, she
indicated Tony. sitting there,
tmpasSive, his dark face shut
as hard as a clenched fist, his
eyes watchful.
"You didn't care for-him?"
mo, I haven't" said Fan
chon, "since since I learned
about him. He knows that"
Collin said, harshly:
THAT can wait. Evelyn.
What about Evelyn?"
Fanchon told them all she
knew. All that Tony had said.
About the possible brain oper-
alton. II wanted to see her."
she went on, "but he refused"
Collin turned to the other
man. His mother was crying,
softly, in a sort of dull shock
of horror and pity.
where is she?" Collin de-
manded. give must go to
her at once. Tonight. Bring
her here. Have everything done
that can be done for ker.
Everything"
viii Not Be There
Tony shrugged.
IT know the address," said
Fanchon, eagerly.
Tony spoke, smiling:
"You will not find her there.
I hold her as hostage for my
safe conduct. If you permit me
to 60 I give you my word Of
honor" Collin laughed aloud.
Tony looked at him gravely
and remarked, Even among
thieves, there is honor. my
word Of honor, that tomorrow
you receive a communication
from me telling you her pres
ent whereabouts"
Tell me at once-or-"
"No." said Tony, mildly, "you
over-reach yourself, my friend.
# you kill me ] cannot speak.
A. ~I;,,a 2 ~xv;IO sn4A evaAoH MT