The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-08-11
CHAPTER XII

CHATTER XII
 Basil Rogers, Marta's divorced husband, stood in the doorway of the sitting room where Judith Marta. and Phil sat.
 Hello, my sweet" he greeted Marta. He ieered. "So this - this Is the gentleman who's going to give you an honest million, Con- gratulations, my dear, congratula- tionsl Didn't think you could do itl Better girln thought you" He turned to Judith, And you and l get tilted. ehp Don't you fret, 6hell give him a devils life - a devils own life"
 He laughed loudly as though he Appreciated his humor.
 Phil was on his feet. That's about enough out of you" He Rrasped the mans arm, but Basil Rogers pushed him back,
 "Going, going soon" he said,
 Get outp Phil commanded, but Che man only laughed.
 Patience, please, patience, I've got to talk to this young lady my wife she was. Might as well say 1t in front of you good people, She got rid of me -- didn't want to stay in my racket not good enough for her" His voice grew uglier. He addressed Marta di- rectly. But you took Q string Of pearls on your own, my dearl Pretty pearls, I saw them"
 "You're lying" Marta said but her face was as white aS her hat, q won't stand it.
 Phil noticed 1t, He began to speak, then paused,
 "Kick him out" Marta ordered Phil.
 Lets hear him through" Phil answered. Judith saw Marta clench her hands and look towards the door "I want to hear it,"
 "You bet you want to hear itl" Che man challenged, "The police got on my trail because my eX- wife was at your house when the pearls went, was innocent. Funny I was innocent this time, But had an idea. So I've been following Marta to find out, Saw her leave her house and come here, So follow ed" He held up 6 warning hand. "Didn't give you away to the cops, Marta. Not at all Gentleman to the end. Just gave them your address. But be careful. Marta, be carefull'
 Judith spoke quietly, How did the police happen to know l lost my pearlsp"
 'Yes-how2" Marta asked,
 "1t was the jewel detectives from the insurance agency" Phil told them, q reported Judith'S loss, quite naturally, l wanted to clear Marta completely and 1 also wanted to regain the pearls"
 Better get going, Marta, The police are about up with you, Came to warn you" Basil Rogers said and turned to go.
 "You took those pearls9" Phil looked straight at Marta.
 "No, he's lying. He didn't want me to divorce him. I couldn't stay with him when I found out he was Q jewel thief. I never saw the pearls"
 The maid came in them to an- nounce other callers. It was Basil Rogers who nodded to her. Show 'em in, show 'em in. The detec- tiveS, Marta, my love. They talked to me q while ago and I thought 1t would be sort of nice for all of Us to get together, 90 [ told him to come along. Have 6 nice talk - get things settled -- and you can marry this gentle- Eaan."
 "Detectives' HereP" Phil asked,
 The next 10 minutes were e blur Co Judith - a blur that would come back with clarity later. She knew that the detectives confronted Mar ta with evidence she couldn't with stand. She had sold the pearls, one here and one there, thinking she ran no danger. She admitted, sobbingly that she had needed the money to maintain her apartment and ward- robe until she and Phil were mar ried. She had been in constant fear that she would be discovered.
 T did it because love you so, " she pleaded with Phil. T was going to redeem them every pearl as soon as l was married and had a bank account"
 "T1i call you later, Judith" Phil said abruptly, and engineered the group Into the outer hall and the elevator.
 Judith noticed that the rain was abating. She slipped into her white raincoat and black beret that matched the raincoat's belt and collar. She went into the park. throwing her face high tc catch the wet. sweet wind. ShC walked and walked and walked.
 At last. the ugliness of the after. noon quite gone, she went home Suddenly it did not matter If Phi kept his faith with Marta or not He knew her now, for what sht was. If he wanted her, then som' power wiser and stronger thar