The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-07-21
CHAPTER V


 Courtneys explosive explanation at the news of a Mrs. Peter Hen- derson" startled Helena. She brought her lips closer to the mouth piece of the telephone. You'll be here, then2 And you understand Peters message about bringing Leah?"
 "Of course I'll be there," the lawyer said. "But if you're really his wife I'll be damned if un- deYstand Peters message about bringing Leah. But I'll bring her though if that's what he wants. And if shell corne."
 There was a silence during which Helena was uncertain as to whether Courtney had hung up. Then his voice came suddenly again: "Wten were you married?"
 T-today," Helena faltered.
 "What was your name? I mean --are you anyone knew? Are you anyone Peter knew before before today?"
 The blood rushed to Helena's face. She experienced sudden resentment and anger, despite the circumstances there in Crest Mountain Lodge. I'm simply de- livering Peters message, MT. Courtney. I'll be glad to answer your questions when you arrive"
 She replaced the instrument in its cradle and dropped her be- wildered head into her hands John Courtney's tone had been unnistakable. So had the impli- cation of his words. "Yes, I'm Peter Henderson's attorney. Whats up pow?' Apparently Peter had moro than once been in trouble of some sort. And who was this Leah? Why had Courtney said that if Peter was really married he was damned" if he understood Peters message about bringing Leah" I1elena's whole body grew cold. Was was Lean really John Courtneys friend or was she Peters?
 Her troubled thoughts were in- room. It was no more than the opening and closing of door - but it might mean that Blair Lowell had arrived with the doc- tor, that Fain had really seen them from the window and had not been mistaken at that distance from the road.
 Returning to the larger room, Helena found that Fain had been right. Sandra was leading the doctor across the room. Helena hurried toward the physician. T I'm his wife. Would you like to have me help youP"
 The doctor smiled down at her young, troubled face. Thank you. Perhaps I'd better have 8 look at him first, and then ." He broke of, batting her shoulder with re- assuring calm. He glanced at the others, all standing off discreetly. He was only 8 country doctor, un- known in the city, and his work had never been recorded in the medical M journals - but here in that room, in this emergency, he commanded the respect that his years of self sacrifice and near poverty deserved.
 Helena had believed that the more than an hour preceding the doctors arrival had been long. But 1t was nothing in the span of time compared with the few minutes the physician spent alone in the room with Peter. Time after time she struggled with herself, fighting against the impulse to open the door and demand the truth.
 But finally she looked up to see the doctor coming into the main room of the lodge. His face was inscrutable, his manner still calm. Helena flew from Sandras com foTting presence to learn Peters condition.
 "How is he, doctor?"
 The serious faced little man met her gaze. "Your husband is in rather serious state, Mrs. Hen- derson. Concussion, of course" He lowered his voice. His con- dition complicates matters" He looked at her knowingly, assum- ling that she had been married to Peter for some time.
 "I - I don't know what you mean, doctor"