The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1935-08-03

blanched, and his eyes wide with
a new shock.
"Mr. Vane's in there" he told
them. II think he's dead. He
did not hear me come in-juSt
sat there!"
A gasp came from the hudd1ed
group, but Manteps quick ear
caught one sound that was more
like a heavy, stifled grunt.
"Who spoke?" he said, and
turned directly to where Roger
Thornley, stood, a sardonic quirK
on his heavy, good-looking mouth
"Did you say something, Mr.
Thornley," he repeated his queS'
ton.
mo, I was just thinking,
though, that it's deuced queer
that this fellow Vane should be
out on bail, and that now this
new murd-" he broke off at a
sudden flame that leaped into the
black eyes confronting him.
"Quite so-quite So" said Cy'
rus K. mildly.
softfooted he walked across
the room and laid his hand on
the shoulder Of the man seated
there in front Of the fireplace.
whats the matter?" he asked
Hello, Cyrus K. Mantel! Glad
to see you, sir. I'm awfully sorry
Il must have fallen asleep. Is 1t
Christmas morning already?"
His newly awakened eyes TO
cused upon the haggard, drawn
face Of his host.
whats the matter, Schuyler"
he said. HAS something hap
pened?"
"Donetta's been murdered"
came the harsh voice Of Roger
Thornley,.
Vane staggered as though from
an actual blow. He uttered nc
sound, but looked uncomprehend'
ingly around at the hostile group
"Mrs. Millbanks is dead" Cyrus
K, corrected. "Thornley's state
ment. . is problematic. I fear
you would not make a good detec
tive, Mr.. Thornley,. I see that you
are impulsive, and inclined tc
leap to conclusions"
"First of all, before I start any
questioning" said Cyrus K, ~
would like to know If anyone has
notified the police?"
"Oh, no, not yet" came from
behind the trembling hands o.
Millbanks. II suppose there1l be
all sorts Of scandal and publicity
to 60 through. I had Sands cal
for a doctor at once, but I knew
the minute I touched her that il
was too late. I suppose that he'll
be along any moment now-but
it'll be too late-everything'S toe
late now" He Shuddered, anc
lapSed into silence.
mol" Cyrus K. contradictet
him sharply. mo! It is not to-
late for everything. We can still
bring the person or persons re
sponsible to justice"
The door bell rang, and Sand
admitted the doctor, who wen
straight upstairs.
Those in the library waited II
absolute Silence-none daring tt
speak until addressed by tina
dominant little figure.
The doctor returned.
"Well?" Cyrus K, looked at hin
and uttered the small word.
Murdered, Mr.. Mantel," salt
the doctor. "Chloroformed." HI
held out in one hand a man.
handkerchief. ut was under
meath the body" he said.
As Betty's slender figure, in it
bravely hued pajamaS, Sagged tx
the floor, Mantel made no NOV
to aid her, although his jaw mus
cles set, and his eyes flashed {
worried look at Suky.
That steady old soul had al
ready caught her mistress anC
eased the force Of her fall.
Cyrus K. seemed to be more In
tereSted in the reactions Of thu
people present than he was IL
this unprecedented faint Of hi
usually strong little niece.
The doctor took charge, and II
q very short time Betty was try
ing to smile at them, a Somewha
tremulouS effort, but q gallan
one.
AS soon as Cyrus K. saw tina
she was all right, he patted he
on the head, and, turning, walket