The Washington times., 1937-02-05
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Bv LLOYD G. DOUGLAS

That phrase StlrS me, sir,
muttered Paige. Il have heard
it before"
1T is very satisfying" re
marked the Dean. Il often have
occasion to use it."
"Yes-I know" Paige's voice
was husky, and he me; sured his
words. The person who offered
me that phrase said she had got
it from you, sir"
The Dean leaned forward at
tentively.
Would you like to tell me?"
he queried SearChingly.
IT had it from Mrs. Dexter-in
Parkway Hospital-a few days be-
fore I helped to-to take her
life"
Dean Harcourt Olded his arms
on the desk and locked Paige
squarely in the eyes for long
moment
II was never satisfied with the
story, DR.. Paige" he declared
firmly There was something
very mysterious about it, even
though the responsibility seemed
to rest on you-When you ran
away. I have often worried ebout
you, my son, wondering where
you were, and if you were still
alive . I confess it was a bit of
a shock when you told me your
name a while ago"
Il had not meant to tell you,
sir. when I came"
Thank you" acknowledged the
Dean. Il Surmised as much"
Il should like to talk to you
about it. Would it be impertinent
if I asked you tc promise me that
you will let me revert to Parker"
when I leaVe-and keep my
secret?"
Eyes. DR.. Paige. I shall keep
your secret"
Forgive me for asking.
didn't want to risk an accident
that might inform Miss Dexter of
my identity. Of course" he
added, "she might not recognize
my name" He paused, and, after
a considerable silence on the part
Of the Dean, inquired, would
She?"
"YeS she would"
she thinks was responsible
for the death of her mother?"
Yes she does" replied the
Dean reluctantly. But I don't!"
He raised his hand, and pointing
a finger directly toward Paige's
face said, almost accusingly,
You took the hlame. . I strongly
suspected it-ail along! . .Endi-
colt told me-though he didn't
mean to! You were a brave fel-
low I'm proud of a chance to
talk with you!"
"Well-I don't feel very brave"
muttered Paige. TITS good of you
to take that view of it, SIR
Don't misunderstood me, Doc
tor. I said you were brave fellow
when you shouldered the blame.
I'm not so sure you were a brave
fellow when you ran off and hid.
Surely there must have been some
better way out of your predica-
ment than that! What do you
intend to do-remain fugitive
for life?"
"I don't know, sir" Paige bowed
his head despondently. Its al
most killing me- I'm not sure how
long I can stand it" .. Then shak-
ing off his mood of despair, he
asked, suddenly, rs she bitter
toward me?"
Phyllis? Yes, and no. If
anyone asked her if she thought
of you bitterly, she would probably
deny it. She wouldn't like that
word. But-she thinks you
caused her mothers death,
through carelessness or ignorance,
and naturally any mention of your
name would be painful How
ever-no occasion need arise for
any further contacts between you.
So that feature of your problem
need not be worried over-do you
Think"
Paige raised his eyes to meet
the Deans, was on the point of
shaking his head, but-after some
delay-replied, in a tone that was
barely audible: I'm not-so sure
about that Mrs. Dexter was
one of the most remarkable per
sonalities I have ever known.
think my affection went out to
her more than to any one else I
have ever met"
And Phyllis resembles her so
much that you want to be sure
she bears you no ill-Will. Is
that it?"
Eyes, something like that"
agreed Paige, confused.
Had anyone told Newell, an hour
earlier, that he was likely to speak
of his tragedy to Dean HarCOurt
he would have thought it quite i'm
possible. But now he found him
self not only talking about his
problem but literally forced by