The Western news. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1933-current, 1935-10-31

lace SylNlA ndu never sceu thci
light of battle; a ferceness as OF a
mother fighting for her child; puz-
zling quality to which no name could
be given.
Suddenly. as the girl studied her,
recognition Of this new characteristic
flashed upon her understanding. 1t
was love
Anger, perhaps terror, had forced
Marcia Into betraying secret no other
power could have dragged from her.
what proof have your Marcia de-
manded.
Elisha shifted from one foot to the
other.
1--WE seen the Jewels" he whispered.
They're herein this room, under
that brick. I've seen EN-"
With finger pointing dramatically
toward the hearth, Elisha strobe for
ward.
Sylvia, however, sprang before him,
standing 'twixt him and his goal.
"What a ridiculous story. Mr.. Wins
low |" she cried what a fantastic
yarn! DO you imagine for one moment
there could be anything hidden under
those bricks and Marcia and / not
know 1t? Why. one or the other OF us
has been In this room every instant
since Mr. Heath arrived. When could
he get the chance to hide anything?
There is nothing here. Mr.. Winslow,
truly there is nothing. swear It."
Nevertheless. let him look, Sylvia.
Let them both look
"Please-please, Marcia"
Sylvia was upon her knees now on
the hearth, and the men, hesitating to
remove her by force, halted awkward
ly.
Marcia regarded her first with star.
tied incredullty-then with GOODNESS.
| So Sylvia loved Heath, tool
She was fighting for him-fghting
with all her feeble strength.
A pang wrenched the older woman's
heart.
What If Heath had played double
game-made love to Sylvia as he had
made love to her? II so-if the man
were a mountebank the sooner they
| both found 1t out-the sooner the
| world knew 1t, the better.
| If, on the other hand, he was limo
cent. he should have his chance.
The older woman went to the side
| nf thu plnadinu 6unro
Get up, Sylvia" she said. 1.-THE
sheriff must search. He must do his
duty. We have no right to prevent It,
| Her face was pale, her lips tightly
set.
The brick was lifted out.
| A smothered cry escaped Sylvia ant
was echoed.
| "Why-land alive-there's nothin
heref' gasped the sheriff.
II told you there was nothing!" Syl
via tainted, beginning to laugh hys
| terically.
~"Wal, 'Lish. all can say is you mus
either "a been wool gatherin o.
| dreamn' when you conceived thi'
yarn" Eleazer 1eered.
II warn't," Kissed Elisha, stung Il
| the quick. Il warn't dreamln'. Then
| Jewels was there. saw 'em with m,
| own eyes. | swear to heaven did.
| He confronted Sylvia. "They was there
/ young lady. warn't they? You know
they was. That's why you was so scair
/ for me to look. You've seen EN-. Den.
| 1t If you dare
"Of course deny It,"
/ "Humphl But Marcia won't. 70,
can lie If you want to save the ski
of that good-for-nothin' critter upstair
though what purpose Is served b.
your dom Ii can't see. But Marci'
won't. If she says them jewels warn
here I'll believe 1t. Come now. Marcia
Was there ever diamonds an thing
under this brick or warn't there?"
"Yes."
.Yon saw em?"
AS If the admission was dragge'
from her, Marcia formed, but did no
utter, the word:
"Yes"
| "Therel Then | Amt gone daffy
What said was true" Elisha &C
claimed. rising in triumph and snap
| ping his finger at Eleazer.
The Jewels were Mr.. Heaths. H
hid them for safe keeping"
"A likely storyl He stole 'em--that'
what he did
Prove It," challenged Marcia, wit
sudden spirit, spot OF crimson burn
Ing on either cheek.
Prove It2" Elisha was taken aback
wal, ! can't at the moment do that.
can't prove 1t. But even II / can't
can make out good enough cas-
against him TO arrest him on suspicion
That's what mean to do-thats wha
| come for an what ri do fore
leave this house"
"Mr. Heath Is sick"
Il guess he an't so sick but wha
| can 20 up an cross-examine him."
II ask you not to go. forbid It."
Law, Marcial'
Il forbid IT," repeated the woman
Drop this matter for day or two
Elisha Mr. Heath shall not leave tn
house | promise you that. Leave hir
here In peace until he Is we'll agaiI
When he Is able t0-to--gO with yo
I will telephone. You can trust me
When have ever been false tor m