The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1932-07-29
CHAPTER XIII-Continued

0e@eeNA
asked.
"Yes. The name l am not quite
ready to disclose. You and must go
tomorrow and make careful survey
OF the premises Of Robert Royce.
Within twenty-four hours think that
we shall have our man in Jail. Mean
while we must keep still and step
softly"
II have some news for you," Shad
began. "We are at the end Of the
mystery"
Shad told Of the doctors strategy
with the unfortunate girl and Of the
taking Of the photograph, with the
help Of magnesium and powder, at
night. He recited the dialogue that he
had overheard. He presented the
sealed envelope to his friend. saying:
"There is the photograph. have
not seen it. The doctor says that it
shows the murderer. He is sure Of
that"
Colonel Blake broke the seal Of the
envelope and looked at the photograph.
"G-d!" he exclaimed as he put 1t
back In the envelope.
He walked up and down thought
fully, a serious look in his face. He
resumed his seat.
"This is important" he said. "The
talk you overheard and the photo
graph are the last links in the chain.
It's remarkable story, and there's
great hero in it."
The boy restrained his curiosity in
the moment Of silence that followed.
It was broken by the colonel who said:
"My boy, in this whole matter you
have rendered me a great service. It
has been, the work of, a man and a
brave man at heart. My rule is to
keep decisive evidence to myself until
the one it affects is under arrest, but
I think that you are entitled to see
that photograph IL you wish to-"
II bow to your judgment. sir. I can
wait"
swell, you will not have long to
wait. How did you get ON with Black
stoner
Shad took from his pocket the little
essay that he had written on The
Foundation Of the Common Law. The
colonel read it carefully.
"Again you have surprised me-" he
said. 1T is excellent. I don't mean
to say that 1t Is above criticism, but
your ideas are well expressed and your
judgment Of the value of the factors Is
singularly mature. It is like that Of
q man."
Shad was quick to take his cue. He
said, Colonel Blake, this compliment
is very welcome. You told me once
that / was brave. Well, am going
to be Drawer now than I have ever
been"
The colonel turned toward the boy,
whose face was red with embarrass-
ment. He asked:
"Shad, what is it?"
II am In love with your daughter.
Some time want to marry her if she
will have me. / want to ask her to
wait for me until I am old enough.
II have done anything worth doing,
1t is because I loved her and wanted
to win her admiration"
The colonel laughed. shy boy, I
know how you feel" he said. tits a
terribly serious feeling. can only say
now that the court reserves its de-
cision. At present let us confine our
thought to the main issue. am weary
with much travel and must have rest.
I'll go to bed and you go to your lodg-
ings. Tomorrow will be busy day
for both of us. shall get good team
In the morning and call for you at
eight o'clock"
Next morning Shad drove to Ash
field with Colonel Blake and the sher-
III. They stabbed their horses. The
colonel asked Shad to telephone to
Doctor GOrse and learn If he had any
news to report.
The doctor answered: "Tell your
chief that must see him this morn
ing, and that will meet him at the
Westminster hotel within the hour"
They waited In the hotel Office until
the doctor arrived.
Then the colonel, the sheriff and the
boy proceeded to the shop Of Robert
Royce. The colonel addressed him In
q serious tone.
"Royce, the time has come when I
must have frank talk with you," he
said. "You will save yourself embar-
rassment If you lock your door and
draw the shades. There can be no
interruption of these proceedings"
Royce changed color. In a fright
ened voice he inquired, "What has
happened?"
II may have to arrest you. I have
evidence enough to make you a lot Of
trouble. If you lie to me you shall
suffer for 1t. What / want from you
10 the truth and the whole truth. I
warn you not to conceal any part of
1t. Don't make mistake and try to
fool me. 1t won't work."
"What have done?" Royce asked.
sThat's exactly what l want to
know" Blake answered. "You are in
critical position. take it that you
do not want to be tried for murder or
for comnlicitv In murder"