Evening star., 1936-09-07

i
same as I'm trifiing with my reputa-
ton. But 1 didn't want to be seen
giving you this :"
She drew an envelope from the front
Of her dress, clutched it uncertainty
I'D better tell you everything, first.
Some commotion downstairs made me
know something was wrong. sat up
in bed and looked around. Almost the
first thing, I saw two envelopes on
the floor . stuck under the door
The smaller one said Bud that
was Genes name for me. read it
flrSt
1T told you he was going away"
"You knew that? Yes, it did A
crazy little note :. said he was leav-
ing Unexpectedly for Norfolk and
wasn't sure where he would go from
there, or when he would be back. I
don't know why &. but it frightened
me- And when I saw this one!"
Deeds took the envelope from
Claires cold fingers. There was note
written across one end in small, pre-
else lettering:
Bud dear: Hold this until come
back. If anything happens-give it
to McCune, unopened. Don't let any
thing stop you. Thanks. Gene"
Don't you understand, Deeds? He
meant if anything should happen to
him! 1t has! Do you think he had a
premonition could he have
known?"
Deeds drew a long breath.
''Wel have to read it. What was
that you said about somebody being
in his room?"
That was after we knew. Just
little while ago. I don't know why
went in there. His two suitcases were
on the floor and his clothes scattered.
The thing that made me suspicious
was . every bureau drawer was
pulled open. And the one in his writ
ing table. No matter what happened,
Gene would never leave his room look
ing like that. I know it."
II see. Do you want to wait here?"
II mustn't. If there's anything in
that letter I must know what I
mean is, we should try to make it as
easy as we can for mother"
"Of course. I'll get word to you as
soon as I can" He threw open the
door. The coast seems to be clear"
Deeds waited until he was satisfied
that Claire had escaped unobServed.
The fact that she had been in his
room, that the door had been closed,
seemed relatively unimportant. At
the moment, his mind was on the let
ter in his hand. He turned the key
before he sat down to read.
That same closely written script.
1t looked rather like Gene, for some
reason.
Dear McC-
Il seem fated to bother you tonight.
It's morning now and things look
more clear. If you ever read this,
hope you'll try to understand.
Il suppose it is just as well I wasn't
able to stage that getaway. 1t wouldn't
have done me any good, merely post
poned things. I don't want to be
dramatic, but my number is up. If
you know what that means. have
decided to take it in my own hands
if I get chance. See what's out
beyond.
THE reason I'm telling you this is
-. Joan. Maybe you know. If you
don't, she will tell you. I know that
you love her and hope she loves you.
She was the one good thing in my
life, but couldn't make the grade
even for, her. I guess it wasn't
In me. Please don't think of me as
making the grand gesture. 1t isn't
that. It's only my last chance to do
a decent thing before an easy out.
It's queer, but I feel more satisfied
this morning. than I have in a long
time. Glad knew you. G. G."
The final message blurred strangely.
Deeds leaned back and closed his eyes
to hold the tears that filled them.
So that was it.
The easy out" Gene had taken it
In his own hands. Thought it gave
him chance to square accounts. A
lump came into Deeds throat as he
realized that he was one of the credi-
tors. And Joan. The poor fool thought
he owed it to them to get out
OF the picture. There was no longer
any question about it. Gene had taken
his own life. He said that plainly
enough
IF I get chance"
The first shock was subsidinp.
Deeds mind was beginning to clear.
He said that phrase over slowly.
There was no use in lodging the
Issue. Gene had been in trouble. but
he was beyond hurt now. If he
thought there was a chance that he
might not succeed in carrying out his
plan against himself . that meant
ne was afraid somebody would beat
him to it.
Maybe the Elledges went out into
the surf with him to give him his
chance make sure. 1t was the
Elledges. They were back of every
thing that had happened to date.
Deeds had been fool, he told him
SELF, to sit back and await develop
ments. It must have cost Gene his
life he was to blame now.
1t was time to do the thing that |
should have been done days ago.
SSSo SsOO0 op dIlu LOOK b long, |
deep breath. The letter was still in |
his hand and he regarded it uncer-
tainly. After moments reflection,
ne concealed it under the base of his
table lamp. If anything happened
to him now, the maid would be sure
to see that envelope when she busted |
-. he would have to take that chance.
It was nothing to leave lying around
loose.
And here" he remarked to his
reflection in the mirror, with a grim |
smile, goes nothing"
He walked along the hall until he |
came to the first Elledge door. It was |
the one Sloan had opened the day
Of Deeds McCune's first call. And 1t |
was Sloan Elledge who answered his
subdued rapping.
We'll, Mr.. McCune," was his quiet |
greeting. Come in, won't you?" He
stood aside, then closed the door after |