Evening star., 1936-08-16
CONCLUSION

h@ happen at least she could hold fast
to her own fidelity.
Leslie waited a moment, staring at her
open-mouthed. 1t was as though he saw his
world - the fantastic world of his crazed
fancy - laundering before him. Then sud
denly, to Lois utmost horror, he flung him.
self on her She felt his hot mouth on her
face; with all her indignant strength she tore
herself free from him. They stood breathless,
confronting each other
Death and defeat were in Leslies eyes. He
turned and ran into the adjoining bedroom
slammirg the door behind him, and almost
instantly Lois heard the report that with its
last reverberations brought back silence.
After that she knew nothing - not till she
found herself III the hallway, the closed door
behind her She was facing Herman Rand
He was at first silent His dark eyes went
past her. intent speculative as though he
too, were listening and thinking.
Its all right Keep steady. can get you
out of this" He took her by the arm and
led her unresistng down the single flight of
stairs. No one saw them 60. The courtyard
was dark and silent All the windows, save
one had closed themselves for the night. That
one watched them with bright, sinister
significance.
Rand helped Lois into her car and took the
driving wheel He drove several blocks to
quiet street and then pulled up to the curb
and stopped He offered her something in a
flask, but she refused it. She had often won
dered what one felt like in the moment of
sudden violent disaster. She knew now that
one felt nothing - not at first - but a sort
of deadly detachment
Il should have gone back" she said. II
lost my head. must go back now. He may
be only hurt
You couldn't have gone back - and you
can't. The door is shut and locked. You would
have to rouse someone to get in. He's dead
all right. Anyhow he played you dirty trick
and now you've got to think for yourself.
So far it's all clear. No one saw us. If they
heard anything, they'll think it was back
fire - till they know better. | heard. l
couldn't help it. The doors must be made of
cardboard - like everything else in this
quaint place - and he was screaming like a
maniac Well, that's what he was = NOR
phia- maniac. knew the moment laid eyes
on him. You don't get that pearl-grey skin
from nerves.
What did he call you? "A murderess That
was ugly. If anyone knew you had been
there, it might be worse. You don't need
much imagination to know what fun it would
be for all your friends Such nice, fat head
lines" He patted her arm. But you're all
right Because no one does know"
The butler knows" she said. Leslie sent
for me He said he was ILL., She added quietly,
And it was my revolver"
Stolen Obviously. Even if anyone recog-
nizes it. All right Like a good Samaritan,
you did go to his place. But you met me
outside. The door was locked and we couldn't
get any answer So | saw you into your car
and you drove home. Then, knowing he was
ill, rang up the house superintendent and
we got busy You see - it's watertight"
But she waited. She had a sick certainty
that he had not finished. Il know" he said.
But then I'm your friend
He wasn't He wasn't Gales friend. He
wasn't even his own friend He had made
mess of everything too, with his fake genius
and his fake temperament. Now somehow he
would try to save himself.
IIHpo Oood t,,rV docnrvac another - hp said