White Bluffs spokesman. [volume] (White Bluffs, Wash.) 1907-1938, 1937-08-05
to us. broad smile on his face.


'Height does affect most people. I
didn't realize" He looked at the
girl. 'Will you forgive me? :"
AS he spoke Floyd lard en-
stepped out on the roof through the
passageway door.
Sorry, Vance," he apologized,
''but Doc Siefert wants Miss Beeton
downstairs-if she feels equal to it.
The mater is putting on one Of her
acts"
The nurse hurried away immedi-
ately, and Garden strolled up to
Vance. He was again fussing with
his pipe.
"A beastly mess" he numbled.
"And you've certainly put the fear
of God and destruction into the
hearts Of the pious boys and girls
here this afternoon. They all got
the filters after you talked with
Them" He looked up. "The fact is,
Vance, il you should want to see
Kroon or Zalia Graem or Madge
Weatherby for any reason this eve
ming, they'll be here. They've all
asked to come. Must return to the
scene Of the crime, or something Of
that kind. Need mutual support"
Perfectly natural. Quite" Vance
nodded. II understand their feel
ings /. Beastly mess, as you say
-. And now suppose we go down"
Doctor Siefert met us at the foot
Of the stairs.
II was just coming up for you,
Mr.. Vance. Mrs. Garden insists on
seeing you gentlemen. Then he
added in a low tone: "She's in
tantrun. A bit hysterical. Don't
take anything she may say too se-
riously."
We entered the bedroom. Mrs.
Garden, in salrnon-pink silk dress
ing gown, was in bed, bo1stered up
by a collection Of pillows. Her face
was drawn and, in the slanting rays
Of the night-light, seemed fabby
and unhealthy. Her eyes glared de-
noniacally as she looked at us, and
her fingers clutched nervously at
the quilt. Miss Beeton stood at the
far side Of the bed, looking down at
her patient with calm concern; and
Professor Garden leaned heavily
against the window-siH opposite, his
face mask of troubled solicitude.
II have something to say, and I
want you all to hear it," Mrs. Gar
denis voice was shriu and strident.
my nephew has been killed to-
day-and I know who did It'll" She
glared venomously at Floyd Garden
who stood near the foot Of the bed,
his pipe hanging Imply from the
corner Of his mouth. "You did It'll"
She pointed an accusing finger at
her son. ''You've always hated
Woody. You've been Jealous Of him.
No one else had any reason to do
this despicable thing. I suppose I
should lie for you and shield you.
But to what end? So you could kill
somebody else? You killed Woody,
and know you killed him. And
know why you did it :"
Floyd Garden stood through this
trade without moving and without
perceptible emotion.
"And why did do it, mater?"
because you were jealous Of
him. Because you knew that I had
divided my estate equally between
you two-and you want it all for
yourself. You always resented the
fact that I loved Woody as well as
you. And now you think that by
having got Woody out Of the way,
you'll get everything when I die.
But you're mistaken. You'll get
nothing! Do you hear me? Nothingl
Tomorrow I'm going to change my
will. Woody's share will 60 to your
father, with the stipulation that you
will never get or inherit a dollar Of
it. And your share will 60 to chari-
ty." She laughed Historically and
beat the bed with her clenched fists.