The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-11-16
CHAPTER XxIv

Alans apartment was locked. Shades were drawn. A prolonged pounding by Patty, after contin- uous ringing of the bell, brought no response.
 She went to the apartment next door and pressed the bell. An elderly man answered the door. No. iie didn't know the occupant on the other side. He had often planned to call on & fellow artist. And, now, the young man was gone. He had seen him leaving this afternoon in a cab. He had carried several large suitcases with him.
 Patty turned away in panic. Alan had gone away from this place. It would be like looking for Q needle in a haystack, sure enough, trying to find an unknown young man in large city.
 "Thank heaven for Ardathl" Patty thought, wildly, Adding mentally: And don't you dare give me any trouble, Ardath, or I'll tear you apart with my hands. You've already caused too much trouble. It's you who should be investigated. But women like you get by with anything.
 Having indulged herself by this mental berating of the despised Ardath, Patty swung into Madison avenue and headed for the exclu- sive shop where Ardath modelled.
 "What do you wantp" Ardath began belligerently. I'm pretty busy if you don't mind"
 T do mind" Patty answered "Take me to some private place where we can talk"
 What if don't care to talk with you2"
 Maybe you'd rather talk with the police"
 Ardath shrugged. But she led the way to small fitting room end closed the door.
 Patty went directly to the point. "Ardath, Jill Is in trouble. The po- lies think she had something to do wish the death of her father, who died, they say. at 6 o'clock. Jill was n't at home then. She had just left you at the door of Alans apart inent."
 "so, she told you thatP" Ardath was smiling queerly. T guess she's pretty scared. Women who are scared will say most any, thing
 "Tell the truth" Patty spoke, ., .sWhy. didn't you go to Alan JeffryP" Ardath asked.
 "I dld. He wasn't at home. The people next door saw him leave this afternoon with his suitcases."
 Patty immediately regretted the words. She had seen a look in Ardath's eyes that she recognized. The look of the rat slipping be- tween the cats paws and into Us own dark hole.
 "Petty dumb of me-" Patty groaned to herself,
 Gone away has he2" Ardath unused. "Well, even If he were here, and even if were at his place 1t wouldn't help you any. Jill wentworth is not telling the truth. ! didn't see her that morning around 6 o'clock. You can tell her for me that she'll have to think up another alibi."
 "why you - you terrible, uncon- scionable liar-you."
 Haul out all the compliments you happen to have with you,' Ardath replied calmly. T guess I can take them. I always knew you didn't like me, Patty"
 T don't like you" Patty spoke bluntly. But my feelings toward you haven't anything to do with this. You were at Alan's because. .Jili said you were. And I'll find Alan, and he'll say SO. If you think he'd shield you when Jill's in danger, you are not as smart as think you are. You should know better than anyone that he loves Jill"
 Ardath did know better than anyone. Hate was unveiled in her eyes. ~ ., sweet conversation IS helping your friend. Well, 1t Isn't. She can look to her smart lawyers. And If they put me on the stand, I'll swear she was crazy. AS for Alan, don't you think If he were going to do anything for her, he'd have called her before this7"
 Pat drew deep breath. and began putting on her gloves.
 "rhere are ways to make people