The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-12-03

confused and helpless. She grew
suddenly angry. why are you
asking me all these questions? Why
don't you ask Mr.. Woodford? 1t
was his yacht. Nesbitt was his
guest, and"
1--WE already talked with George
Woodford," said the prosecuting
attorney. "In fact" his voice grew
smooth, ut was he who suggested
we talk with you"
Julia's mouth opened in aston
ishment. why did he suggest that2
Why don't you talk with the restP
With Nash, and Mrs. Joseph"
"All in good time" interrupted
the police captain. Just now we
wanted to see you"
How long had you known Mes
bitt? Before you made this yacht
ing trip"
eyes" Julia answered - and
then could have slit her own
tongue.
"Indeed?" said Buchen, his eyes
widening. How long before?"
Julia bit her lip. Unwittingly
she had opened the way for Amy
to be dragged into this. And that
mustn't happen. Shed had moth
ing to do with 1t, and If her name
we're brought in she might easily
lose her job at the exclusive dress
shop.
come on, Miss Craig. Answer
the question. How long before this
cruise had you known Nesbitt?"
About year."
Ever go out with him, Miss
Craig?" .
Julia shook her head. mo -"
That's curious. You knew him
year, yet you'd never been out
with him. 1t was a business rela-
tionship, them"
Not wasn't"
MOP" repeated Buchen. did
he call on you, then, at your apart
ment?"
YES" Julia said quickly. That's
where saw him."
The captain and prosecutor ex-
changed significant glances, as II
to say, Now we're getting some
wherew Julia could feel little
beads of perspiration on her fore
head. Her hand trembled violently
as she raised 1t to brush them away.
The room seemed to be swaying.
II can't stand this" she told them
suddenly, her voice breaking. TITS
not fair! It's not fair! / tell you
L"
There, there, Miss Craig. Just
one more question, then that's all.
Did anything happen at Evergreen
Island that was at all curious? ? ]
mean, beyond the hunting acci-
dent?"
Hes talked with Woodford, Julia
told herself He knows about Pay
son. yves" she faltered. "A
man tried to get into the radio
room of the Doat."
"Oh, yes. Who was he?"
"I-Idon't know" She stood up
uncertainty. That's all, now?"
Buchen bowed slightly. For
the present, yes. But I must ask
you to remain here as a material
witness"
"You mean I I have to stay
in jail?" She looked from one to
the other, Mortified.
TITS not so bad" the police cap
tain said. "Ill see that the matron'
Mrs. Barton"
But isn't there any way you
can fix 1t so I don't have to Stay?'
Buchen nodded, told her that she
might be released on bail. He
named q figure which to Julia
seemed fantastic.
But I haven't that much money!
II couldn't possibly raise It,"
Mr.. Buchen shrugged. The police
captain bent over a paper on MS
desk. Then the door opened, and
black-garbed-elderly woman en-
tered. Julia felt the room whirl-
ing faster than ever. She knew
that her knees were failing her
and then, quite suddenly, she knew
nothing at all. -.
When she opened her eyes she
lay on a strange, narrow bed IN c
small room which contained, besides,
bureau and a chair-and one
small framed Autograph on the
wall She lay there numbed IN
body and mind, too dazed to review
the swift chain Of events which had
put her in this place, and too weary
to think of getting out.
She looked at the door, surprised
that 1t held no bars. But 1t was
obviously heavy, and the lock was
competent. AS she looked at 1t the
knob turned. the door opened, and
she saw the woman in black. Behind
her was Tom Payson.
Julia! :" He hurried to the
side Of the bed and lifted her to
sitting posture. Julia, I just