Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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mtmmm The Strange Case of« PAGE Th« Great McClure Mystery Story. Written fcy ) REDER1CK LEWIS In Collaboration With JOHN T. M’INTYRE, Author of the Ashton Kirk Detective Stories. 'Rmd f/>0 Slmry and Si* tht E-ssanay Victur+r C.FyrlQrf. I91S. hr McOw* SYNOPSIS. Mary Pag*, actrraa. Is accused of tha murder of James Pollock am] Is defended by her lover. Philip Langdon. Pollock waa Intoxicated Shale, a crook and tool Of Pollock, was on the lire escape watch ing for l^ingdon. At Mary'a trial she admits she hid the revolver. Her maid testifies that Mary threatened Pollock with It previously, and Mary'a leading man Implicates Uangdon. •MY TIME WILL COME!” r eki K: 31* jrour ese on tliU man Luugtlon! He was either In the room or at the tigor when nines I'ollirclt watt tnunlfredr * The words of tiie witness we«e like ■ atone litniK Into a |km)1 of nubile in ference Hint sent ever-widening rlpplea of (HWHlhllliien to lap the very shores of suspicion Itself. Every eye was on Langdon now. but except for a tight ening of the tnum leu about bis Jaw be gave no sign of perturtmtton or anger. The actor himself was uneasy now. however, and cast a|>ol»gettr glances at both Mary and l-angdou. moving nerv- otialy lu i he wlluesa-staiid as tbe proa •rotor took up his questioning again. **You say you overheard only a part af what was said before tbe police eame. Will you tell ua where you ales si and why you heard only a psrt T “Yen. air The door o|>eua out—as hi always ihe raae tn hotel routna—and when I strafed lo often It I was behind it and therefore not visible from tbe room Hut I c«oid bear w hat was said when Mr Langdon and detective Far ley ratne out from the Inner room of tbe aulte where they bad gone lo look for Mias Page" “And when tbe police ratne. did you remain in Hie mom or did you Join In th* search for Miss Page?" **1 Joined In tbe nearrh. and went with the police down lb# Bre-eoeape and lb rough the back afreet." “W bat had l>e<oma of Mias Pager* "l don't know." "Do yon mean that tbe police did not Bad where she bad gone I" "Yea.*- ^ "What did you doT* "I relumed to tbe hotel, got my hat •nd coat and went home " "That ta all" aald tbe prosecutor Hut the Judge leaned forward and voiced ibe question that everybody ta tbe courtroom was mutely asking. **lH» you mean to say that a young lady In an evening gown and wllh no cloak walked through that street back of the hotel and that no one aaw ber! That you and tha police got no clua In your search?" "Yea. your Honor Mary Page had dloippeared absolutely, and no one know s where she went." . langdon smiled, and the Judge sat ba« k with a little exclamation that was not complimentary to the police; bnt when the name of the next witness rang through the room he leaned for ward again and spoke with some irrl tutlon tuthe prosecutor. *'N It your intention, sir. to develop through the testimony of THIS wit ness the wherealmuta of Miss Page after the murder? It seems to me that that is the -testimony that should be brought forward now." “Your Honor. [ question. Jle was happy because be wanted to marry Mary, but he* knew ahe didn’t love him." | "If Miss Page did not love your brother, why was she willing to he his. wife?” . r The girl flushed lnjd answered less readily: N. "Well, you see—there were reasons— and she had promised.” “Will you please tell ua those rea sons?” - A little gasping sob wrenched from a woman's overburdened heart broke tbe stillness at that question, and Mrs. Page suddenly drooped forward, biding her face in her hands. She knew only too well what was coming, and the courage that had kept her erect and amlliug during the torture of the trial., gave way suddenly at this tearing often -of old woundn. All ber agony found vent In that one piercing cry of grlet With her own eyes tear-dimmed Mary stretched out her hands yearningly, half whispering, “Mother! Mother!" and I-angdon was at ber aide In a mo meat. She waved him back. and. draw log ber reil across her distorted face. ■mothered the aoba that shook her thin ahouldera like a storm, aa tbe prusecu tor repeated his question. "It all h ip|s-ned several years ago— five-maybe six. Mary and I were very good friends at that time, and 1 was at her home a great deal. So I knew that-tliat—they were great ly In'need of money. I overheard Mr Page say that there would he ruin f«r ail of them, and that they'd !>e turned out oh the streets unless be ‘got the money' iiefore morning. Mary over I jpm, 0 jj ^ iy “How did you 'save him,’ aa you rail it?" “James told the detective that he had forgotten about giving the cheek to Mr. Page ami that it was perfectly good.” “And Miss Page was naturally grate ful to your brother for his having saved her father?" prompted the DIs trlet Attorney, Us liuth broke off; not knowing how to go on." — "(Jratcful? Yes. She^she pronrtsed to marry him. 1 beard her tell Mr. ^ngdon." "Wjis Mr. Langdon at the bouse at that time?" “Xo. he rathe while I was sitting talking to Mrs. Page. Mary and James were In the iiMt room, so 1 went to let Mr. Langdon in. He stopped at the gate, looking at my brother's auto mobile. and 1'walked dotvu the path to meet him. While we w>a^ coming hack toward the |H>reh the /thers came to the door. Suddenly James caught Mary Of^ln bis arms and kissed 'her. f*hr seemed to struggle against him and slipping away, ran Into tbe bouse. Mr Langdon. thinking that my brother had klastsl Mary against her will, rushed at Idui and threatened to strike him." “Your Honorr It was laiugdou's robe, suddenly harsh and strained. “1 protest against this evidence as entire ty Irrelevant and Iradlnc up to nothing that has a hearing upon the ease at present" “The court rannot anstatn your ob Jectlou." aald Ibe Judge, curtly "It Is very unfortunate for you. Mr. Lang don. but whatever brings out Ibe de tails of tbe retaltnu«blp between Mary Page and James Pollack la decidedly relevant” The District Attorney smiled In Irt umph. Me turned to Itoth. who look ed startled at Iba Interruption, and aald. gently: "You were aaytng. Mlaa Pollock, that Mr. Laogdoa threatened your brother Waa there a fight f* “No. Mary ran between them and ■aid that Jamoa bad a right to Ltaa ber. that—that—they were engaged." "What dll Mr. Langd> u say tbeof' "Ua didn't any anything. Ua Jusi lonied around and wa.ked away, and Mary began to cry." "YYas the engagement of your broth er and Miss Page mode public?** "Yea. At a dan- e.~ "Did your brother and bis fiancee seem happy on that •eastoii?" "No. |—la fact. I know they were not" I- “Did they U41 yon ao?** "No. but I overheard. I—waa biding i ta I he conservatory.** Wllh a smothered ga«p of surprise Mary'a bead came up suddenly and for tbe Ural time tbe eyes of tbe two girts met; but now It was Mary’s that were accusatory and Uuth s that were trouh led and It was in answer to. that re proai h. rather than the startled look on the prosecutor'!* fate, that made j It *u* all Just in back of the palms James ratne ♦<» hunt for Mary, and she didn't want him to tee she bad been crying, so she wen. out and Mr. Langdon stood walling fo: James., He told my brother that .Mar., was very unhappy In her engagement., hut felt that she was lu honor, hound to 'go through with it', and he urge*' James.to set her free." “What did your brother sny?” “Well, he was—very angry, she an swered. deprecntingly. “I —I—know he thought It was Just Intrfi'crence. and he said. 'I supiwse you want her set free so Y'OU can marry her.’' Ami Mr Langdon said, ‘I Want her-.aet free be cause ahe doesn't love you and la breaking ber heart over her promise to marry-you.’ ‘What is that you? asked James. 'Do you think she Is in love with you?' And Mr. Langdon said apgrlly. *1 know she is. hut that has nothing to do with the matter Can’t you ho. decent for once and set girl free when she doesn't want to marry you?' That made .lames even more furious, and lie fairly shouted. 'Mary will learn to love me fast enough, once we're married, and I shall never set her free. She has promised and I’m going to see that she keeps that promise. Besides, do you think I m going to let everybody say she Jilted me, after we've announced our engage ment this way? 1 should say not.' ” “Did Mr. LmgJon reply?” “No. He Just turned round with a shrug and walked away, and I came out and Joined my brother." “Did he ask if you had overheard?' "Yes.” "Did you tell him or tttfi Yonvkrsatlon pet ween Mlsa Page and Mr. I-angdon?'' “Yes. 1 felt that he ought to know You—you see. he was tny brother, even though Mary was my friend." “Did your brother make any com ment?" “No. he Just flushed np a little: then lie laughed and said they'd have to get over It, and lie waa going to marry Mabr aarwar." "Did-Mr. Ijingdon ever make any other plm to your brother, or see MU* Page again?" “Not then, but Mr. Brandon told me—" \ “Y'our Honor!" broke In Langdon leaping to bl* feet. “Papjert!" "Tbe rourt will sustain that objec tlun." aafcl tbe Judge, prompflg. "Miss pollock, you uiu*t not repeat what you bxie simply heard from others. Oxjly what you sawr and beard yourself." v . “May It plea«e tbe eonrt." cried tbe proeccuter. quickly. "I sb.ill lie glad to have all of the answer of tbe wliueaa with tbe exi'eptlun of tbe words ‘wot then’ atrlrken out. for wbat Mr. Bran don uM ha will tell tbe court him self." Brandon’ langdon winced at the i name, and Mary, lifting her head I turned a pair of despairing eye* ni*>n j him that seemed lo ask If ail their fuu.’ I hail promised u *!uu*e to Mr heard him. too.’aud wlmn he went out she and I sat trying to think of some ij r :, m i 0 n. hut I had t» Id him that If be! he glan «-d ir .Li her lo lain way by which we cou!d raise money It was wtiile we were still talking that Mr. Page came back. !l(*^-he-had been drinking, and he wn* waving a check around his head and fried. ’I’ve done a good tun* ^A r ,* friend and I’ve been well paid for IL The Lord helps the movements of | those who help themselves.’ He seetn- Mls.s Page hot ween the time she was i cd terribly excited, and - went out could find me before (he music was half over, I wbuld g|\e him two more, i Aunelnw to * f*>r I lunl discovered u nook behind the palms which I waa sure no oue else i left unconscious in the room af the Republic until the following morning Will have To be totft by Miss Page her- aelf. They are not known, to me and I have no witnesses to testify to her wheroalionts or actions. I have, in fact, been unable to got anyone who actually saw the prisoner during her flight. The truth must -come out of course, nml I have In the meantime called tile sister of James Pollock to develop an Important line in the case for the State." Again Ijingc’on smiled, and the Judge snf back w ith a little sh"Ug. as, amid a murmurous wave of comment and curiosity the name of the new witness was" repeated: "Ruth Polloel;!” The sister of the dead man who throughout the earlier testimony h:td aat unnoticed among the throng, was a tragic figure In her trailing black gar dents as slie/went to the stand "Miss Pollock, you have known the prisoner. Mary Page, for some years, have yoa not?" “Yes. we were at school together and Remained intimate friends afterwards." “Waa your brother also a friend of hers?" • "He waa " * "Waa that* ever any rinser relation Alp than that of mere friendship be tween yourT/rother and Mary Page7" “Yea. They were engaged to be mar rled." Evea fb# Jndpe aat forward J« hi* rbalr at the won!*, eo simply nftrnd and yet ao shaiply rbanglng Ibe aspect of thinra Tbe prosecutor's next quea came qokkty . again almost Immediately saying that he wanted to rash the check before the banks closed." “Whose cheek was It?" “My brother’s.” “Was he Interested In Miss Page at that time?" “Yes. He had always been. I think, hut she was not nt nil in love with him. Bhe had told me that.” "Yet he gave her father a cheek for a large sum?" “No." , She flushed hotly jiow. and east a timid gian* e nt Mary, ns If half deprecating the necessity of the test!- could find." * She stammered over the-girlish con fession. n tide'of crimson dyeing her pale cheeks. * "While 1 was hidden there, Mary and Mr. Langdon. who hud been dancing together, came into the conservatory. I—I—didn’t move because I felt 1 should look so .silly, hiding like a kid behind the palms, nt.d 1 thought they . wtfuki soon go away. But—they [ didn't" “Did Xllss Page say anything about her engagement?" "They were talking nbout It ns the^y came in. and the first thing 1 heard was. 'I have given my word. Philip, and <1 must go through with, it—even if j It kills me.’ She was half crying. Then | Mr. Langdon said quietly, ‘Mury; you , friends were lo !■* leagued scaiu»l | them in Ibl* fight for life au«l lll*ny Ha could object—could fight lo have | the witness kept out of Ibe stand- but I la Ibe end be knew that be would l»*e j and perhaps lend added weight to tbe j testimony. He fancied he knew whni < THAT would Iw. and bis leetb rlen h ed In an uftiy of bulging and a rage ! ajnlnst tbe futility of that desire to I spare Mary the raking up of the*e | old memories-memories that brought a tbrobtdag ache to bis own heart tb**r was only balamed by the bitter ex ! dilation of (lie thought tljgt at least | Pollock wa* DEAD now. And lie vow ed lo hluisrlf that Mary should soon ! be free of tlie law as well a* of Jatne*. but he did not fare tbe fleeting thought ' *>f the prire that might have to be |>nit! | for that fretdotn of Mary Page. As for Mary hcn'clf. after that one Heeling plan* e at Igiugdou »he drooped again like a flower cut ot7 from ruin and sunlight ami air. She would imt l.>*>k at Rraudou when he took the stand, though h!s eyes a.* on. were full of mute appral ns If he waoic.l pit In that It was not by tdiol'-e that he stu. d there; mul there was an aggies, ive. almost u hostile note In his voice, as he an mouy. “That was JusMt. My brother ( dCrn’t love him. do you?’ And Mary said. ’You know J CmtrPhllip. 'fhere had not—signed that check." ** “Do you mean.” broke In the Judge, “that the chr k was forged?"- "Yes. A defective sent by the hank came to the Page home while 1 was there and told Mrs Page and Mary »<{re is only one man iu the world that ij love.’ Then lie took-her in''his arms} iind she broke down and sobbed; but when, he tried to make her say she would break her engagement she ami me. Mary didn't believe It at first, .wouldn’t, and she wouldn't tell him but at any rate she said she didn't why abe had promised to marry .James, know where her father was. though She only said that she eouid never he we Lftb guessed be—be—was in the free unless James gave her hack her bar of the hotel He was mostly there. . promise.". „ James was horrified when he found , “Do yon mean to say.” Interrupted out that It was Mary's father who had the Judge, “that Mr. Langdon knew cashed the check because, not know nothing of the episode, of the forged Ing. he had already told the police to check?'’ •prosecute the man to the limit.’ Mary ! “No. Mary told me she couldn't hchr cried at»4 begged him to do something ; ta tell him about her father. Resides; to save her father, and James^said. James had. made her protnlse to keep ‘I'll save h.ni for your sake. Mary. If that part of their rugagemeut a sec ret you will promiaa to do something for from everyone.” me in returw.' " | "It acema liicralibter* Mid HU Hod -“DU be aaj what that aomething or. settling back, and the prose-'u or vos?" * , asked, aa If ouddeuly arelng a new *Xo 8be didn't even a«k. She Jo*t Ttewpoial: ■aid she w mid do anything la tbe > "Did your brother know of Mlaa xr or 11 be wanted If be would save bqr Pm re's love for Mr. Lanj:J*n?“ -I liad n d-ia*c with Mis Polloflt. nut^-sifc.b J t.o. l i-<• und it was not t. itil Lter t .1 I l "’ r ,n ,r "‘ .ervatory. the was crying and tt»H ue that Mary, ditlu'l watit m Miarry- : u mes mul tin* her bn>ther and-Mr IjUmdon h. ti Just «iuarreleJ about It." "V. hat did .'<>« <*«•" •'I went in search of Lingdon." "Where did .roil lii.d hiui Bran.ion* Hacked, and again his eyes .iirnid upi I’itlingly toward Langdon as if begging forgiveness us lie said iu a low voice: •'He was In the bar. drinking with a group of workmen.’" "Did you Join trim?*- ~—■—— "Yes. Or. rather, I -urged him to join me at one of the tables, i was*, surprised to see him take anything to drink, but when I said so he answered that he was drinking to forget that he had lost a g.rl who still loved hint, though she was going to marry anoth er man. I asked him if he meant Mary Page, and In* said yes." .::Did you reginin with him long?" “No. 1 tried to persuade him to come home with me. and when b * wouldn't. 1 left him. in the hall, how ever. I met Miss I’age. 1 wanted hoi to see Mr. Langdon at that lar. I led her to the door. I reme k er how hor rlhed she seemed, and how she strug gled to control herself. I 1 tried to steady her; but suddenly she went r£ht over to Ijfugdon's table, and several loafers gathered around them. She seemed not to s^su-fheiu-«t all. IIo: mind was apparently on Langdon alone. Ijiugdon was just sober enough lo'tculizc that Miss Page ought not t" be lu such a place. He tried to push her away; but sbe cried out, 'Don't drluk any aiorc, Phil.'”' * "Did Mr. Langdon make any reply?’ “Y'es. He said. 'Why should I stop drinking? What have I to live for?' Then sbe put her anna around his ue* k. and It was while they sat thus that James Pollock came iu This seemed to soU-r Langdon completely I rushed forward, tearing there would be a horfflile scene, nnj* urged Pollock to go away. He pushed all uf us luick ‘I want to get at him." be kept calling 'Just let me get my bands uu him' Langdon was try lug lo get MW* Pag.- out uf tbe place. He d.d succeed, while several of us held I'olloik Lm-k b> mam force, lo getting Mary Into a III anteroom, a sort of parlor next lu ibe cafe." "Yes. go on. Mr. Brandon.” urged «b* pros*-* ulor. who seemed please I alt: bis witness "WeM, Polloi h was dnenninrd to ftp low tU<-m.*^ud wet ouUln I ptvveui bin. I found m**«if drigged Into Hie lilt*, room with biin, and I »tamr.i*-d lb. door. But Jam* «. V »o.nr wj.* i-almer now 'Wbar^J-*-* i bm meoi* Mary T be sold * "'It means. M l«a I'.i .c, cf.-*: that I can't murry anyone ,ui Mi Langxion.' and l«.tig<iou a«-ul ouS'Nou James, a bat are you g.«.ug to si about BY" The |^ro*ectlt»r hiterr fmngdon kii»w nt that t. i father bad forged Mi l’**tt “No, sir. be •lid leM. t..r du< ed It at that npwM-nt. , didn't know uii.it ii wn* ■I MI"oi Page. e. I*. '*-ci. u. ib cmoii.>ii Ubu d-s Mary? lie a-ki-ti Bui *1 suer, Then Polio- k !• don. some time after tbe e; Dodea ba p-id narrated, hnd conu* to New York and served on the Ugtlg Sac* a» a po. lice repotter. The District Attorney ob- Jeeled to Ibis line of questloulug. but the Judge permitted- it to go ou. Finally the witness was brought down lo the night when h* took Mary Page to the door of the enfe ao 'hatYha- mlght see him. l angdon. within, life* Did you not fee anything peculiar about Miss Page's appearance ut that time? And if so. tellthe Jury what you saw." ! Brandon hesitated. He acted like a-, man who did not care to answer this* Question, „ i .. . “Proceed." prompted Mngdon. "Well yes. I did notice that—” He- paused. “Go on." prodded Langdon. “I noticed that Miss Page seemed tep- rlhly excited, and when wo got to th®- door that led to the cafe, there was pos- ' . ■ / “Mis* Page threatened hinV didn't sh^ Mr. Brandon?" if-1, >• H "DU Mi it Mary Mary Turnsd a Pair of Despairing Eyes Upon Him. , swered the prosecutor's first Incisive question: n. “Mr. Brandon, you were present, were yon not. on the night of . the dative given to nnffAunce the engagement of Miss Fcge to James Pollocki" “i mni." •. —;—. "Y ou wen? well aeqtnlnted with botli of ihem?" “We all grew np t»*eether. I wa- uot peril nlvrlr Inii.urte wUh Mr. Pol b*ek“ *a|J Itrandiai .Irtty. “Did .tb.v’lJi'ng u»--rr tn tecit you t** hedeve tlut Ml'* Pugr «M n«iJtapp< In b<T engagement 7" - I mi.' k pn- >i..l l^rugfiui He lut.ke. •1 oxer ufu* • l!il* iii. uii ie dido l «li ■d bim tbe straight iruib. ‘Her faiber did It. I remember be said, 'and site'* guing to marry me Nun do you utidcnitaiidT ''Langdon I hong b I be was l.lothng Y'ou skunkT be shouted: and Polio* k waved tbe rbr. k In bl* fare. Langdon crabbed It. an,I there was a struggle Tbe check lore In two. ami when Laug- don looked ut the picre be held, be saw that il b»re Ibe furged algiuilure. as Dan Pace had .written IL I saw him turn white ns a sheet But suddenly he smiled, and then he Went <alruly over-to a lamp on the mantelplc* r and burned II. I mue!ut)er. us though It had been yestenlay. how happy Miss Page I*** ked when she thought this evi dence against her father waa de stroyed" The people In the courtroom gJsped with relief. They yould almost share Mary’s sense of relief. But they were soon brought back with a shock us the witness went on: “Pollock h-id fallen down; but he re covered himself, and begun to sneer at Langdon. That isn't the cheek, any how. you (t-oll That’s only h cqpy— for just su< b occasions as this!’ “Was Miss Page disconcerted7** t' prosecutor wanted to know. “Ch, yes. sir. tdie said, ‘What shall I do. Phil? I ll do whatever you say.’ And he said. T won't Influence you now. Do ns your conscience dictates.’ or something like that. 1 can't remem ber every word, of course. There was something about his not being weak again, and (hen he turned as if to go. lie Looked pretty downhearted."- “What did Pollock do all this timer “He Jumped up then, when he saw that Langdpu’s back was turned, and tried to put . Ids arms around Miss Page. She leaped lack, ns if she hated him. I remember she said something like- ‘Don’t touch me. James Pollock! I’ll keep my wofd with you—I’ll go through with this, but you'll regret thia (he end of your life! Yea. regret It. I tell you T " The prosecutor Is-nmed satisfaction. He rubbed his bands at these last words and asYred: “Mlsa Page threatened him, didn’t •he. Mr. Brandou?" \ “Ye*^ I uuppoae you qalgbt call .It that’’ answered the wltne** readfty. with apparently no thought that hta testimony might ba aeallnc the j riooo er a doom. *Tbaf is an." aald fba pru*e»rotin». looking at tha jnry with • trlumpbbat •xpreasica... “One m.irr-nf " aald i^nrrVo. **’ X * ^ 1 “'I \kil * V night to you’ll re? itively nu expression of horror on her face, f- never k:iw any one so unstrung. She had on nn evening gown, of course, and I saw—" Brandou i-uii-ed again "Yes? What did you »*!?■' cri* I amgdon. “I Maw a strange mark on her sboul der—finger prints that came and went In the most uncanny way. I wa- quite unnerved myself Miss Page waa by Ibis time bstklng through the door at you. Mr. I^ugdon" “I oliJett!“ shouted IDistrict A^ tortiey, "ThTs story has no la-irlug—** “Ovefrule.l." his IPaior calmly said. "ThU te«tlro**ny." ertisf Lang*l*>n.' • trluinpbant nme. In bis <oi. e • arlil have an imisirtant liearlng ••u tbe Hit* of defense | shall later ad->pL" “I oltjeci again" fntrly veiled tha pnaweutnr. “Hocb talk tecxls to prejo- dire the Jure-’* “Overrule l.“acaln the Judge lira wled. “I* that the first time you ever aa* these marks?" langdon asked. "Ye*, air “ “And the last time?" “No h’lx yeir* Liter—" "Tell tbe Jury." Tbe wttursa rtMiKheii. a* If preparing fur an ordeal' ,"l( was the night of tbe opening of Mira Pace In New York. I couldn't get a *gal. so I stood In the rear of It)*- theater, wear I lie side I was a ins ure reportee then, and It as* almost lime for me uvis- on duly ai I lie sta tion Ho I hurried * way Tiling* »er* dull a ben I got li.i-re. <m I sat |u a cor- ner near I he stove aiu)^fu<l«l lone tie* corns a little drowsy i^ytty s««in-l ran t tell what time It was. Iihj It must hav e t ecu a coui'le of hours i^ter— latugiiou route ruslitug iu. He wa* looking for Mary Page iYe rrss*gnt/ed ea<-b other, and I ua* surprised to find him In am b a pla* e on such an ermud. Then he tuld me of Hie murder uf Poi* lurk “Somehow tbe night wore on I had to winy tin duty, lu tbe morning, very e:irT*r. Hie prisoners wt-re hnmgjjt uut froru the (m-ii I’hmiu'l slepl mui-ti. A patsT wa* hrougJH lu. ninl I saw the st.iring beudlliirs. telling nl! al»Mil th® murder. Thai woke me up. I t.m till you! Wlml wusuiy kui | 11. *•. an iiNlnut inter, to srv* Mary Page rnlv-r thy r-*otn iron a side d*a»r. in lulk eveiling ••lollies, hut wllh no li.it or coat! I you Id sc:u-j ekt,, hcl.ev e my eyes. I though! I'il gone or 'Oitici Iiingr ‘Why, I'd ju i lu-»'ii reading ulioui tier— and there she sioisl, |>ale nml la-intitul. but hewildcn-d and fn-liteued. A po ll* e otiicer tisik hold of tier "“Who is this w<iuiau?-‘ the sergeant said. “ 'We don't know who she Is.' lit® officer answered'. 'She wouldn't talk. She was pulled last night with u eoiipl® of- “-.tust then 1 Xyas close to her Sh® lidn’t lYwwghlze me; she seemed struugi-Ty dazed, almost li>;ni<»tb.ed. TheVshe ettuglit siglit of the paper la uty hiHid. with Its big type running across the whole front page-'Sciiss- Ii*)ual Murder.' She gralil -’d, and read it. liorrified.Vnd we all just stnnd tln-r® 'in king at her\\vitlmui saving a word. Even the sergeant was silent. Sh® seemed to devour the story. And then - some vision must Hum* cmr e tiefor® 'ter eyes, for she wliispered s'-mething aixnit 'a bottle.’ ’wl)kskryv\iuid tier fa*® atnl ttrnis be a me tense, i Imiked at her liare shoulder, and tliars when I saw those strange finger prints, again. They came and went as before “Then flu* outer door opened, and you. Mr. Langdon. came In. You looked tired, huggsttl. bedraggled Y'oti still had on evening clothes. I remember."/ turning dlri*etly to the Jnry. “wbst • \ •eiisatlon Mr. Ijiirgdon'a presi-nre era- afed. his name having U-en In every headline too. Miss Page saw him. H® went up to her without a word, and they emliraced e«6b otbef. a AA4 Tiim ! Ytjss Page Bte|»:>ed forward to the ser geant's deak and wbU|«r«*l ao low that I could hardly bear ber. ‘I gtv* •#y»elf wp.* “Everybody waa aatonlahed. aa yo« might tralixe. Then ibe tarred, and burlefi ber brad ua I anrd ,u « about- \ ll 1 dost