The Waterbury Democrat., 1932-12-17
NOW GO ON WITH THE STORY
CHAPTER xxxIII

From, l couldn't help 1t We were ornered, and frankness was the only thing possible! II had to be done at once, or - even if he didn't go--we couldn't have gained back the ground we lost when he got on to your search of his place."
 It was what Linda had hoped for "a brief moment alone with her husband before they faced together | the talk with the man to whom the kitchen, cracking ice and open ing ginger ale bottles, while from the terrace came the murmur of voices us Shaughnessey and Stat lander talked sporadically, Linda hastily strOve to justify herself--to overcome the horror with which he had greeted her confession of what she had done.
 Tt was the only thing to do, Tom---you must see that" | "Well--" he rallied q little but still was far from convinced. "At least we don't have to tell him everything"
 I'm sure he didn't do it," Linda announced staunchly.
 You're easy, Binks. No need to spIutter! This proves 1t. He'll know I'm more sceptical and he's had time to prepare his story. Still SO have l. Leave this to mo, please. I'm sorry 1t happened but I guess you're right. Better be out In the open. At least he'll feel safe and if we handle him right there's no chance now of his bolting. That would be q confession and he's no such fool"
 "rhen you still think he might be the one? Even after what Rosie said? She said the spots were liquor and grass stains--and she saw them. We didn't"
 Doesn't affect the issue one way or another. We've simply lost that clew, but there are others. Rosie may have been coached in hci story. and been afraid to tell you the entire truth"
 "She acted frightened, but more over taking your shirt and being found out"
 "Well she night" Toms jaw set. He was not as forgiving as ILinda over this. "But--carry on. Binks! We can't stay here, all night. Statlander's due for an early bed. gather the last two nights have been unusually gay for ono of his settled ways. And, If I'm any judge, he and Shaugh- 1 nessey don't love each other much. So get move on and we'll start him off. That'll leave the way clear for the Modern Irish Fairy Tale feel in my bones we're go- ing to hear"
 "so that's the story"
 ! ...If I. t,.AA Tom sat back. lighting a new 1 thOughtfulIy at his pipe and Linda lay motioniess in the long chair, thinking how artfully Tom had condensed the days happenings and wondering what would be the other mans first words. Certainly Tom had given no indication other than that he had completely ac- cepted the tale of the soiled shirt. while his appeal to their guest to tell of anything out of the way that he might have noticed was so put as to cleverly fiatter the other.
 Tom himself was first to break the silence and l., did so as n sud- den burst of laughter, followed by scattered talk and exclamation. showed that the little group In the drawing room had paused in their game to enjoy the refreshments he had brought them on his way out to the terrace.
 "Of course you hrc now in our secret, MT Shaughnessey. You know that 1t is imperative that we keep our house party together un- tll we fasten this thing on the man who did 1t. To-day we've made l L..A Uerh medical cxaminer's coming --- or threatened coming --helped us out and as q result cveryone's staying over night. Tonight or tomorrow nt breakfast my wife and ] will invite each one of you to finish out tho weekend"
 And If my of us refuse ?''
 q shall turn the matter over to tho police" Tom spoke with deci- sion and Linda started in surprise. So absorbed was she in their quest, so sure they and they alone could solve inc mystery, that since their first talk she had not even con sidered the possibility of failure.
 "I will be the first then to agree to stny!" The Irishman laughed but with an edge to 1t. Faith. can do little else. As well stay by own will as by that Of the And I must ask, too.' continued Tom, "that when l extend the in' vltation in tho morning, If 1t Il done when you all come together you accept as if 1t came for tho first time. You might also hell by urging the others to do So Il anyone seems at all reluctant. |
 The Irishman made sound that could pass for acquiescence = but 1t was by no means cordial "And now he asked. twill you fa' yor me by doing one thing? AS sume for the time being that twai me, Please separate out all th' clows that point elsewhere an' state the case against me as If 70, were sure that l was the guilt! person."
 Linda felt suspense vibrating II the still air. Shaughnessey ha' spoken courteously but with de termination. Tom must now mak' up his mind whether to answe with perfect frankness or whethe to continue his policy of seeminI 10 tell everything without givinl certain definite information. Whil' he hesitated. the Irishman leanT forward and as n match was strucl | oa...hN Ahn wIAa In thI