The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-01-18
CHAPTER xxV


 Daylight was just tingling the mesa when Coroner Smelling and SheriR Buckley arrived at the ha- cienda. Immediately the household came under the jurisdiction of the law. Tante Josephine's death was due to apOplexy, the coroner said, brought on by some unusual excite- ment = probably her nephews death.
 The confessed murderer lay where he himself had fallen, a victim of the sacred knife, and when they went to the Indians room to accuse him of the crime, they found that he, too, was dead. Of . heart attack, the coroner decided again. No one questioned this opinion, though Bob and Pearl John had their own ideas on the subject.
 The hidden panel in the base- ment wall seemed to make a deep impression on the two officers. They asked why it had been put there, and what use the family had made of the adobe rooms be- yond. Pearl John answered that 1t had been a whim of the builder of the hacienda, and that no one went into them except on rare occasions.
 He was careful to explain, how ever, that the reason the Indian killed Ramon was because he had found him digging in the sacred kiva. This was easily understand able to New Mexico officials, for they knew how strongly the In- dians clung to their ancient cus- toms and beliefs, and how much they resented dissertation of their pueblos.
 Pearl John said that the reason for the murder of his older brothers had been robbery, and there had been witnesses present when Ramon had confessed that.
 After a great deal of interview ing of everyone in the house, and taking copious notes on the case, the officers departed, giving per- mission for all concerned to leave the mesa if they reported in Santa Fe for the inquest. AS the official car chugged away through the snow, the tension that had held the household relaxed. Once more the hum of voices sounded from the servants quarters and in the front of the house the feeling of relief was evident.
 After the first shock over Ra- mons death, Angeliquc was able to tell how she had found the secret panel. She did not seem in the least abashed over her reason for making Betty 8 prisoner.
 T thought Ramon loved her" she said simply, as though that was explanation enough for any thing. Now there is nothing left for me but to go into the church."
 Betty ran to her and impul- sively graSped her arm. Tt came out all right, Angelique," she said. T forgive you. wasn't hurt"
 Angelique shook her head. Tt can never be anything but wrong for me to have sinned that way. I'll not know moments peace on this earth as long as I have such thing on my soul. didn't hurt you. Betty, but I hoped you would die when pushed you through that doorway. I was mad with jealousy and I would gladly have strangled you with my own hands if it would have made Ramon mine alone"
 But there will be other men, Angelique." Bob began, then paused and looked at Betty. He knew very well that there could be no one else for him. He turned to the dark-haired Spanish girl with pity in his eyes. Try to be- lieve that Betty and I don't hold anything against you. Angelique."
 De Forest took Angelique's arm and gently led her away. Now that the mystery of the mesa had been explained, he was again the thoughtful, kindly host he had been on Christmas Eve. How long ago that gay party seemed now and what tremendous changes hac taken place since that Christmal snow storm had held them all prisoners in the haciendal
 Bob was thinking of this as Inc drew Betty into his arms and saic softly, When and if can get 6 job, Betty, will you marry mel Some other fellow is probably mailing that big order of tires ] started out to get, but there must be something open for fellow who's desperately in love with the