Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1936-08-28

L.. .1@(eaAs A. ~ An -
bv JOSEPH McCoRD

Whelmed him. He had TO reaIlxe tnat
1t was linked in some fashion to the
things that had been taking place
here to Sloan Elledge.
Did that explain the threat? No
it couldn't be Elledge!
A little sober reflection almost re-
assured him. It couldn't be. Yet, If
Sloan knew the truth about Joan,
why was ne SO certain that 1t would
hurt her If 1t leaked out :. so sure
that he counted on that to seal
Deeds lips. Was it only the rambling
of q disordered mind? John Elledge
had limited at such a thing. John
That bounder had hope Of marry
ing Joan was frank about 1t.
Then it must be that he didn't know
the truth. Only Sloan was aware Of
it. Some perverted sense of humor
was making him urge on his brother
in that unspeakable suit using 1t
perhaps to secure some sort Of hold
on Jere Kendall.
With Joan lost to him, Deeds real
lied that his near fear Of Sloan
Elledge was fast dissipating ~. espe-
cially the latter's ultimatum in re-
gard to Deeds not leaving Layland
Cottage. He'd like to see anybody
force him to stay against his will.
There was no good in remaining.
He had lost the right to try to do
anything for Joan. She didn't need
him never would need him now.
There was but one thing left. Pack up
and leave. Maybe he wouldn't seek
Elledge out and force q quarrel, but
he wouldn't dodge him, either. Any
thing to get it all over with and {.
Forget.
Daybreak found Deeds still in his
chair. The ash tray on the table be-
side him was heaped with charred
| cigarette stubs. When the first rays
of the sun dazzled his eyes, he rose
stiffly and threw himself across the
bed.
| He was there, hours later, when an
insistent rapping on his door brought
dull acknowledgment.
"McCune! Open up, will you'll" It
was Kendalls voice.
As he shuffied, half awake, toward
the door, Deeds glimpsed folded bit
of paper on the floor. Some one had
thrust it into the room from out
side. He picked it up and dropped
it into his pocket, unlocked and
opened the door,
rs anything the matter with you?"
Jere demanded.
mo"
1.-THE maid said your door was
locked and you wouldn't answer.
| Thought you Oh! Binge, eh?"
mo. confound it! Can't guy sleep
here If he wants to? I'm getting up"
He closed the door unceremoniously
in Jere's face. Almost at once, he
remembered he should have said in
stead that he was getting out {.
asked to have his bill made up. He
would do that as soon as he went
down. A glance at his watch brought
the surprising intelligence that it was
after 1880. There was just about
time for a shave and shower before
lunch, and he needed both badly It
was just possible that he would have
need of his wits before he got clear of
this place.
That paper in his pocket. 1t would
be from Joan, most likely. The best
thing to do was to tear it up unread.
Instead, he opened 1t and scanned its
few hurried lines.
'Mac-You must let me talk TO you
minute. I need your help. I'll be
| on the beach at f.. you know the
| place mean. Please don't fail me-"
There was an uncertain scratch at
the end Of the message, as If Joan had
started to sign her name, then thought
better of it.
As he went through his additions