Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1937-01-09
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CHAPTER A

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Mrs. Thornton said in her nagging
acid voice. that man James is at
the bottom of all this trouble.
I've had my eye on him, and he is
not to be trusted. AS far as am
concerned, I'll not stay another
day. What, l ask you, was all that
noise about? First shot and then
a Shrek. heard 1t from my
room, and it gave me fright, and
then that man James had gone
from his room. for 1 looked in
there myself. wanting advice"
Lady Severinge put up her
hand to stop the TRADE. please
stop. Mrs. Thornton, you give me
a headache. If you suspect James,
why don't you tell the detective?
He's the proper man to find out"
"Detective," She tossed her
head scornfully. Precious detec-
tive ne is. if you mean that boy
from London. It's my opinion
that he and James are working
together-they know more about
this business of the children than
they will say-they and that
brazen huzzy. Sylvia Lawrence.
They are somewhere about the
place, you mark my words"
The cold fury of the woman
guelled Lady Severinge. 1t was a
woman speaking who was no long
er a servant, but who meant to
make mischief.
II really can't listen to you"
she interrupted. you had better
60 to bed now. Mr.. Colindale is
coming here tomorrow to see about
the affairs of the estate, and you
can speak to him"
It was ill-advised on Lady
Severinge's part. The woman be-
came a viragO.
"Mr. Colindale! And what's he
but your admirer? 1 wouldn't
have stayed as long as 1 have
done if I had thought you were
going to bring him back here"
"How dare you! Leave the room
at once" Lady Severinge went
to the door and threw it open.
I'm going. I'm sure I don't
want to stay any longer in such
house, but I'll take care that others
know about these goir1gs-on."
She was almost speeches. with
fury, and for moment Lady
Severinge expected physical vio-
lence.
- 81 shall speak to Mr.. Selden in
the morning. Meanwhile, you had
better retire, and you can pack
your things and go as soon as you
like tomorrow"
"Oh, it's that way, is it, my
lady? You'll hear more about
this, can tell you. I believe you
and that Colindale and James are
at the bottom of the murder, if the
truth were known"
She walked out haughtily and
shut the door with exaggerated
politeness.
'F1ilda threw herself down on the
couch, utterly exhausted by the
woman, and with a dread Of the
future that seemed all black and
hopeless. Bed was distasteful tn
her. A tap at the door made her
raise her head in alarm, and she
stole to the door, asking in tin1id
voice who was there.
Selden's voice treasured her, and
she opened the door.
n ~ e,O,.,,xy 70. I1se+11vr11 ~yO11
Sewerage, but I thought you
might be alarmed at what has
been going on in this house."
THAT awful woman has been
here making horrible accusations.
IT know" Selden smiled rue
fully at her, and offered cigaret.
"Some Of the conversation took
place when the door was open, and
l was forced to overhear it."
But what has happened, Mr..
Selden?"
1.-THE children are all right,
that's the main point. James was
terrified for their safety, and hid
them for the time being"
James! What right had he to
interfere, and that Miss Lawrence
too, suppose"
LADY Severinge," Selden said
sternly, IT don't think you realize
that after your husbands murder,
and perhaps before, for some rea-
son that I am going to find out,
your children have been in ex-
IRENE peril, and that if they had
not been hidden for the last few
days some disaster might have
occurred.
His grave manner shook her
Here was no crazy fool speaking