Evening star., 1941-10-12

So1N 40
Most amazing, really" Larry be-
gan when the detective interrupted
him.
I'm sure you both were unaware
of Mrs. Tarrington's having been
here" He made a little bow to
Shirley as he spoke. I'VE can all
understand how you feel, Mrs. Tar
rineton We know, too, that you
will want to help apprehend his
murderer"
mo! MOI" Shirley's voice rang out
strong for the first time II don't
want this murderer apprehended.
I'm glad he's dead, glad do you
understand" Her clenched fist beat
the upholstery. Larry Blackjack was
instantly beside her.
Look here, Shirley, you don't
mean that"
oh yes, I do" Her dark eyes
flashed up at him. And you all
know why. Even Capt. Franklin
knows by this time. surely" She
turned toward the detective where
he sat slumped down in his chair
smoking quitely and watching Shir-
ley with tolerant, pitying eyes.
Franklin spoke then, not to Shir-
ley but to Blackjack. Are you a
lawyer. Mr.. Backrack?" The attorney
nodded well, you'd better advise
your client of her position"
Blackjack leaned over Shirley,
holding her hand like that of little
child, Edith had slipped out and
in a few minutes returned with a
glass of brandy. Shirley sipped the
stimulant slowly and smiled up at
| her friend. Leaning back against
the cushions. she composed herself
before she spoke again.
Capt. Franklin" she began. COM
posed once more, I'm sorry I was
so unStrung. I know I shouldn' I
/ have said what l did, even though
it is the truth"
Mrs. Harrington Faints.
Larry made another warning ges-
/ ture. but she went on steadily
Let's Just be honest. I know the
case the State can make against
me. My husband was slowly poison
ing me" She looked toward
Franklin, while Larry. with hope
| less shrug, turned toward the win
doWs. You found that out. didn't
you? Surely Jane told YOU ]
thought I was being poisoned" The
bitterness in her voice was all toe
sharp.
L had tied up my money with my
husband soon after we were mar.
rled. Oh, I've motive enough! Blu
/ l had no opportunity. no We2pon
and, frankly. I'd lack the courage tt
pull a trigger, much as I hated him.
But you were here last night" I
was more statement than a ques-
ton
Shirley nodded Il was here.
sat on that settee opposite his arm
+ chair and thought out what l should
do"
What did Henry have to say to
you. Shirley. coming in the middle
of the night like that?" Edith asked
curiosity apparent in her voice.
Henry had nothing to say. Henry
was dead"
An electric thrill ran down Frank
Inns spine. He admired this woman,
so cool, so firmly intent on recogniz-
ing her position. so vehement in her
relief at her husbands death He
watched her, saw her eyes close and
open again with effort.
Franklin cleared his throat. Your
presence here is surely opportune,
Mrs. Harrington. What made you
Gomez"
Il came to see Felicity and Mrs
Fowler. I came to get some clothes. -
Her voice sank to a whisper. Il
came to go away again for good. and
then I saw" Shirley's eyes again
slowly closing. struggled open, and
her voice came slightly stronger, Il
saw" Her head tumbled to one
side.
A Missing Glass.
With a bound, Franklin was al
her side, pushing back her hair
feeling her pulse, raising her eyelds
gently. Larry swung toward the
door, but Edith was ahead of him
shouting, Help! Help! Get the
doctor, quickl''
Tom and Felicity came running
toward the morning room. Frank
| lin was still bending over Shirley
this time on the davenport to which
he had carried her. Felicity dropped
to the floor beside Shirley whisper
ing, "Oh, Shirley, not you, not you
Shirleyw
What can I do, chief?' Ton
asked. The coroner's physician has
/ gone, of course What is it?"
/ Franklin shook his head I'm moi
sure. 1t was in the brandy, think
Mrs. Blackjack fetched it for her
She drank nearly all of it. Yol
might get the glass. Whatever the
drug was, it was probably a depres,
sive; we'd better stimulate the hear
/ action. SneS not coming aIoulie
right away, I'm afraid
The big man stood Shirley on her
feet, and with one arm around her
waist and the other supporting her
head, he commenced to walk her up
and down the room.
Miss Newgate, go make some
coffee. Stay right there, and make
it yourself, alone" he added signifi-
cantly.
Felicity scrambled to her feet and
with a childish, YES, sir" she darteo
from the room.
Funny where those Backrack
people went, Tom. Snoop around
but first take the glass to Scrubby.'
What glass?"
That glass there!" Franklin
tossed his head to indicate the table
where the glass had stood.
There is no glass, Chief, but III
do my best to find it,"
Caught in Trap.
At last they brought Shirley back
to semi mi-consciousness about the time
the police doctors car came wailine
Il