The Wilmington morning star., 1940-10-07

crowded room where she waited
with so many witnesses while Nina
Nevins and Sue Alderman were
questioned. BY sheer will power
she pulled herself back from the
pit in which she was sinking.
Robert continued his long dis
lance conversation to California,
talking in that low tone which a
man uses when there are others
near, and his words are intended
for one girl only.
He did not come near Linda as
the testimony went on, and he ex-
cused himself early. She watched
him go, wanting to u after him,
not daring to.
Much could have happened IN
these last few hours. Undoubtedly
he had pledged his troth to Billie
Anne. Oh, life's timing sometimes
was so very bad! If only, before
Rob had old her he loved her, she
had realized that she did not love
Ronald, but Rob himself, she would
not be suffering tonight.
Through the window of the room
she saw the moon, high and white
and small tonight. Life went on,
forever and forever. And she must
walk with it.
But surely, surely, there would
be a way to tell Robert what she
wanted him to know. Only dimly
she realized that, other members
of the prosecutors office had ar
rived and that Nina Nevins was
being questioned and cross-ques-
toned.
Mina's voice recalled her to the
scene. YES" she said in full, rich
tones, Il fired the shots. I Dor
rowed the gun from Miss Marley.
Well, not exactly ] orrowed it.
did it without her consent. You
found it, I see. I'm glad, because
it was an expensive affair. And
now, wouldn't you like my fin
gerprints?"
She held out her white hands,
and the emeralds cleaned with
mad lights in the dingy room.
There was something of rever-
ence in the way the officials looked
at Minda, Linda noted. They were
remembering her for scenes in
other years. They were letting
strong wind blow back the waters
and watching her in Cd and gal
liant roles. Because she had con
tributed much of beauty once upol
a time they could ind it in theil
hearts to be gentle now.
AFTER all, she is mentally sick
or none of this would have hap
pened," someone murmured, ant
Linda nodded in mute agreement
She reminded herself that i
Nina had not held a hopeless in
fatuation for Rob she would no
have followed him so re]entlessl.
that he had sought refuge in he
apartment one night in spring. Mi
ma had brought Rob to her.
And nov he was gone. The room
tilted again, just a little, but sh'
clutched the arms of her chair ant
did not move
She wondered where Rob hat
gone when he had excused him
self. Then some words OF tn
state caught her attention. mis-
Nevins, haven't you been seen il
the company lately of a MIR. Teri.
Adams? That doesn't coincide witt
your protested attachment to an
other.
Nina laughed lightly. TERRY
He's a sweet nit-wit! I never want
ed him. He a a tool-only i
didn't work. But, please, let's &c
on with those prints"
They took Nina away then, ant
Linda watched, half sobbing. No
Terry hadn't worked as a tool. Blu
Nina had tried to marry him wher
she felt thu web closing in on her
She had been afraid that she woule
be caught on Terry's wedding
night.
'Why did you decide to turn
states evidence, Miss Ackerman?'
the tones of the chief prosecute:
asked behind Mina's %retreatin
form. "You didn't come as soon a
you sensed that there might hav
been a masquerade on hand tina
night. Therefore, it wasn't the fac
that Miss Nevins shot your siste
that brought you. What die
them"
Bella ~LANAN-COURT RI
Fo11ndod m Aot11