The Western news. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1933-current, 1934-01-11
CHAPTER III
s.
Calls Shipley's Story

Calls Shipley's Story
Peter was not prepared for Calls Ship
ley's loneliness. He masked the Intent
ness OF his stare with an apparent In
terest In the room about him.
you wanted to see me7" she was
making an effort to be politely casual,
but the novelist noted the tremor OF
her hand
Sergeant Kilday waited for Peter to
begin. For reasons OF his own, he
had suggested that the novelist ask
the questions
Miss Shlpley was holding a
chair for the girI--"dld you wear
blue dress this afternoon?r
"Why, yes" Her surprise was evil
dent.
'Of course you know''-Peter took a
chair opposite her and leaned back.
crossing his knees-.what happened?'
"Well. not exactly. 1t must have
been Notwithstanding very seris
GUS. to have interrupted the wedding"
She was sitting very straight; her
hands. resting on the arms OF the
chair, gripped them nervously. Peter
found her exquisite, but In spite or his
fascination he was annoyed. His at
tention was wandering from the ques
stions he must ask.
"Of course" he agreed. his voice
still gravely quiet. "But has no one
told you what happened?"
She hesltated. Only the whIteness
Of her knuckles. where she clutched
the chair, betrayed her., inner tur-
mol.
NO." she said distinctly. mo one
has told me what happened"
The novelist changed his line OF at
tack. "Who brought you home, Miss
Shinley7"
For moment. she did not answer.
Then, "What have | to do with this,
Mr.. Cardigan she asked. "Why have
you come here to question me7 The
butler said you were policemen"
Sergeant Kilday is." Peter indi-
Gated his friend. II am just a sort OF
ex-officio assistant" His brief smile
warmed the lean irregularity OF his
features into friendliness. "There Ia
no cause for alarm, am sure. We
have only come here because we are
sure you can help u.s."
The rigidity Of the girls figure did
not relax.
Help your She waited expect
antly.
Peter wondered whether that we're
a question or challenge. by telling
us who brought you home" he said.
She did not hesitate now. my
chauffeur"
"Ohl And you came straight
home?"
eyes"
"Without ever waiting to find out
what had happenedT Peters tone
was slightly incredulous.
The girl shrugged. There was
nothing I could do" she explained.
"DorIs had left. Every one else was
leaving"
Didn't you even ask what was
wrong? I should have thought you
would be curious"
Il was. Or course wanted to know.
Every one did. But no one seemed to
know
"And the other members Of the we'd
ding party--where were they?"
"They--why, they just broke up
with the crowd, | guess. don't
know"
"And so you came on home by your.
self"
"WIth the chauffeur she corrected
him. Il have already told you that. .
An unexpected bitterness surged up
within Peter. Why should he be SO
unaccountably angry because she was
deceIving hIm7 He surveyed her
gravely. 'Do you mind II I speak to
your chauffeur, Miss Shipley?" he
asked.
Warm spots OF color famed In her
cheeks. I'm not accustomed to ask.
Ing the servants to verify my word,
she said.
I'm sorryn--Peter was standing
now--''but circumstances make 1t nee.
essary. II you have told LIZ the truth
then Rylie"
@RylIel" She Bft her lip, and Their