THE
TANGLED
WEB
W By Ethel Watls-Mumford Grant W
j- Aultior of "Dup," "Whilewuh," Elc.
$
g Copyrighl. 1908, by Ben!. B. Hampton
CHAPTER VIII.
In his own room once more Wend
bam returned to the open casement.
Already tho miracle of dawn had be
come tbe miracle of day. Tbo dis
tant reaches of the plains no longer
unfolded roll upon roll of gossamer
blue, opal, and rose. Over the
newly illuminated earth a cloud ot
tinsel seemed to float, brilliantly
outlining each fall and rise of tho
rolling plain with an edge of keen
est crystal. The air seemed sudden
ly purified, sterilized of tbe dream;
of night, new-breathed from the
realms of the upper ether. Wend
ham drew long breaths of the elixir,
refreshing body and mind for the
day's struggle. For tho present he
felt things must take their course
Tho terrible suspicion that besot lila
heart must be verified, but sanely,
calmly, for tho best result, above
all for tho safety of the one woman.
What to him was Mrs. Lawdon clam
oring for tho insignia of her van
ity? Doep within himself ho gave
thanks for his old conviction
"crime is disease, and somewhere in
the realm of science lies the cure."
But had the enemy made inroads so
far that conscience was dead? Would
one woman sacrifice tho other? Sup
pose tho not of evidenco drew too
closo about her?
He shuddered, but his royal spirit
rose to the hazard. Some operations
offend every aesthetic sense. Must
the physician fail in his sympathy
and attention? Ho was startled to
discover how lie had accepted tho
suggestion of his thought. That was
beyond reason. Ho would consider
how slight was the foundation upon
which his imagination had reared
his conviction it was .1 deduction
that ho must verify beforo ho might
consider it anything but the shadow
of conjecture. He scored himself
roundly for his readiness to accept
such a damnable solution of tho
problem. He must be wise, quick of
thought, slow of action, and his
time, his strength, tho knowledge
that had borne him to such strange
deductions, all things must become
subservient to her necessities but
he must know.
In the gun room Mrs. Lawdon, her
husband, and their host were gath
ered in closo formation about Col
lins, tho local police potentate. By
the fireplace two detectives from the
city lounged, overobvlously at ease.
"Do you wish to swear out a war
rant against this girl?" inquired
Collins as Mrs. Lawdon savagely
announced her suspicions.
"Of course not," interposed her
husband. "We have no evidence ex
cept what your man John reported
to you, Mr. Evelyn. It Is not suffi
cient "
"Beg your pardon." interrupted
the sheriff; "it is good and plenty.
It allows you to hold her for further
Investigation."
Mr. Evelyn interposed mildly. "1
am responsible that no one leaves."
"Excuse me," the thin, soft voice
of Leavison, the younger detective,
asserted itself. "But don't you think
it might be well to face your man
with the young woman?"
"Of course!" cried Mrs. Lawdon
excitedly. "Why didn't we think
of it before? Send for them at
once."
Evelyn pressed the electric but
ton. "Alfred, have Mrs. Gaynor's maid
brought here. Ask Dr. Wendham to
attend her. I fear hysterics and
fainting fits," he added, as Mrs. Law
don's face expressed unqualified dis
approval. "And, Alfred, I want John
at once. Now." he turned to Col
lins, who vacantly shifted official
blanks from one hand to the other,
"have you any theory?"
Collins h-m-md heavily. "Well,
sir, I couldn't say. With such a
houseful there's always a dozen
chances. You know 'tain't always
what seems the most likely ono that
pulls off the melon the ones that
look likely, like as not a-e innocent
as new-laid eggs."
Mr. Evelyn smiled, and Mrs. Law
don turned with open scorn to the
two plain-clothes men. "Haven't
you any opinion?" she demanded
belligerently.
"Not yet, ma'am," said Leavison
slowly, his quick, sneaking eyes tak
ing in every detail of tho lady's per
son. Mrs. Lawdon shrugged her shoul
ders and greeted Dr. Wendham's en
trance frigidly.
Mr. Evelyn rose to meet his guest.
"Dr. Wendham, this Is Mr. Collins,
our local sheriff. Mr. Leavison and
Mr. Grayson are detectives sent up
from the city. They have decided it
would be wise to confront tho girl
with my servant."
"Yes, I see," acquiesced Wend
ham. "And in case of physical dis
tress you wish me to be present."
A tap at the door, and Mrs! Gay
nor, white and haggard, appeared,
followed by Adcle. Wendham rose.
"Mrs. Gaynor, I beg of you return
to your room. You are In no condi
tion to endure this. I protest, as a
physician" ho had turned to the
others with barely repressed vehe
mence. Evelyn crossed to Mrs. Gaynor's
side. "Now, Nellie, go back, I prom
ise you the girl will be dealt with
as gently as possible. Mr. Collins,
this is Mrs. Gaynor, this young wo
man's employer. She has not recov
ered from the shock of last evening.
Can we not spare her these Inter
views, and take her testimony lat
er; "Why, certainly. Mrs. Gaynor, of
course" overcome by the strange
pallid beauty of the woman before
him, tho sheriff lost himseli amid
compliments and excuses.
Mrs. Gaynor bowed. "You will
take care of her, doctor?" she asked
anxiously. "If she should faint
bring her to me. I will rest in the
drawing-room, to be at. hand if you
call. Don't be frightened, Adelo,"
she added; "we must help all we can
to clear matters up." Again with a
distant bow that comprehended the
group she turned and left the room.
The maid, calm now and courage
ous, faced her Inquisitors. Wend
ham observed her with strained at
tention. "The Imaginative, concen
trated typo in its purest form," ho
commented inwardly. "Unusual re
source and vitality combined with
great devotion. If If it is true, no
better tool could have been chosen.
With her conscious self in abeyance,
one might allow her subconscious
mind to deal with a situation by Its
own Judgment. With the suggestion,
'this and that are your dangers, be
prepared to meet them,' ono might
rely on that mind as a stanch and
gifted ally but, no, it's ridiculous!"
He shook himself free from his
thoughts, and fixed attention upon
tho girl's story. It was the same;
no contradictions, no wavering. She
carried conviction even to tho un
willing ears of Mrs. Lawdon.
Collins sniffed and glanced a ques
tion to tho detectives.
"Nothin' doln' there," said Leavi
son under his breath.
"You have all bjen over tho
ground, gentlemen," said Mr. Eve
lyn; "you have this girl's story. It
remains for you to hear my servant,
John Dawson's, statement. Then it's
up to you!"
Again he pressed the electric boll,
but before his finger left tho button
n knock announced tho butler.
"If you please, Mr. Evelyn, John
has gone. Wo can't find him."
"Gone!" screamed Mrs. Lawdon.
"Gone!" gasped Mr. Evelyn.
"Gone!" groaned Charlie Lawdon.
"Gone! Tho devil!" exclaimed tho
sheriff.
Tho two detectives glanced at each
other.
A light of comprehension and re
lief broke over the face of the ac
cused. "Oh, gone!" Her cry was
one of gladness. "Then then ho
i"
"It looks like it." nodded Wend
ham. Evelyn was the first to act. "Tell
all you know, Vreeman," ho ordered
sharply.
"Well, sir, according to orders,
the girl here was notified, and word
sent to Dr. Wendham. Then Alfred
wont to John's room in the servants'
wing. John wasn't there, so Alfred
goes below, and we've searched the
place, sir, and ho can't bo found."
"How could ho have left the house
without being seen?" questioned
Grayson, becoming energetic Jnow
that the chase was fairly open.
"A dozen ways, sir. But how he'd
get by the crowd of reporters out
there is moro'n I know."
"How was he dressed?" asked
Leavison.
"In his store clothes, sir. His liv
ery wo found chucked in the closet,
sir."
"Leavison," said his associate,
"you take the inside I'll beat it
out I'm a reporter myself now
see?" He rose, nodded to the butler
to follow, and left, the room.
Leavison took out a notebook and
turned to Evelyn. "Prom whom or
what agency did you engage this
man? Savell's? Good. What were
his references? Oh, the housekeep
ers business! Will you describe the
man? Short, stocky, round head,
blue eyes; clean shaven, of course.
Any scars that you recall? No? Too
bad useful things, scars. Now, if
I may have a talk with your butler
when Grayson gets through with
him, and see your housekeeper, I'll
do a little telephoning into town and
trace this chap. My side partner
ought to get a line on him inside of
an hour or two. He can't have gone
far, and the great American press
has this house rounded up for fair
if you'll excuse nfe." He shut his
notebook and slipped on noiseless
feet to the door. There he turned.
"Won't do," he admonished, "to re
lax discipline. You can't tell, you
know."
"May I go?" asked Adele faintly.
"Yes, my girl," Collins annwored
with a show of importance; "but
you're not to leave the house. And
Mr. Evelyn, before theso flatties
have the wire stuffed, I'd like to
phone a bit; the railroad station
and such needs watching."
CHAPTER IX.
Wendham nodded to Adele. "If
you will come with me," he said
courteously, "we will And Mrs. Gay
nor, and I will give you some in
structions. She will need your as
sistance." The woman's face brightened.
"You can rely on me, doctor and,
thank you."
Mrs. Lawdon did not raise her
head, but Charlie advanced, his hon
est face aglow with kindliness. "I'm
awfully sorry if you've felt badly,"
ho stammered, "but I hope you un
derstand It couldn't be helped,
you know."
Tears stood In the girl's eyes. "No,
sir but I truly didn't, sir " Her
words were checked as the doctor's
strong arm led her gently away.
"Listen." He spoke Imperatively
when they had entered the empty
passage. "Mrs. Gaynor must rest
rest, do you understand? Give her
plenty of fresh air, and keep her
well covered. But It's sleep and
rest, rest and sleep." He spoke in
a low, steady voice, never raised
above its first quiet pitch. "Sleep
and rest, she would say that to you
she Is saying that she wants me
to tell you to sleep and rest sleep!"
he insisted. Her whole weight fell
upon his arm. In the white light of
the corridor he turned and sought
her eyes. They clung to his as to a
magnet. "Are you sleepy? Answer
me."
"Yes."
"Would you like to sleep?"
"Yes."
"But you must not." He spoke
sharply, shaking her slightly and
passing a soothing hand over her
face. "You can't sleep now. You
must take care of your mistress."
"Yes, sir," she answered, all trace
01 drowsiness gone from face and
manner.
"What is the meaning of this?"
Wendham puzzled. "She's not the
culprit evidently, but she has been
a hynoptic subject a thousand
times. I'm a brute!" he exclaimed
to himself. "Anyone might have
seen me Nellie might have sur
prised us. Whatever lies at the bot
tom of this, she must have no more
emotions now. I'm a fool to take
such chances. Wait here," he or
dered. Rapidly traversing the inter
vening rooms, he reached the small
reception den where Mrs. Gaynor
waited.
She opened her tired eye3. "How
did she stand it?" she asked anxi
ously. "Her accuser wouldn't face her."
"What!" A look of incredulity
crossed her face and it was followed
by an amazed expression of relief.
"Yes," ho continued, "John has
decamped."
"Oh!" she exclaimed. "But what
what do they think?"
"Tlioro seems' only one thing to
think, for tho present, anyway. But,
come, I have given your maid .n
structions. She's to see you safe in
bed, and if you fail to rest, she is
to send for me."
"Oh," she assured him brightly,
the color rising to her waxen cheeks,
"I shall sleep to-night at least.
Where Is Adele?"
Struggling with a dozen conjec
tures, but with his love fixed beyond
the power of any hostile conviction,
"OH. CHARLIE!" SHE WAILED,
"THEY'RE GONE ALL GONE."
he followed her to the foot of the
stairs, and smiled a farewell as mis
tress and maid mounted together.
Then he turned and paced the wide
hall like a caged animal. That the
woman was, and had been for years,
under recurrent hypnotic control
there was no doubt, but in the face
of the manservant's disappearance,
why connect that with the robbery?
A scientific Interest and continual ex
periment were certainly permissible.
Perhaps It was a kindly effort to
ease the pain from which the wo
man suffered. Yes, that must be
the reason. But had tho operator
sufficient medical knowledge and ex
perience to make research safe for
tho subject? The subject should be
a willing, intelligent assistant. This
girl was obviously innocent of all
complicity in the experiment. In
whatever way the control had been
gained, It was through some natural
excuse, leaving the girl absolutely
unsuspicious of her own condition.
Her life had been divided into com
plete and unrealized duality an end
that could have been obtained only
by the suggestion of forgetfulness
prior to each awakening. Should
ho go to Nellie Gaynor when her
strength should have returned, and
ask her the answer to the riddle
that confronted him? Perhaps. But
for the present silence was preemp
tory. "Look at that!" exclaimed Alice,
as she held a newspaper at arm's
length and indicated its flaring head
line with a tragic-comic finger.
"What did I tell you? There you
are, my dear hostess, in a costume
of the vintage of 1840, at least. I
hadn't an idea you were alive when
they wore those tall hats and bus
t'ps. Dear me! Never saw one out
of the family album. Tell me, were
vou a dab at archerv?" The whole
forty-eight hours of excitement and
anxiety that had elapsed since the
robbery had failed to mfllo Mrs.
Evelyn's equanimity, but now she
waj roused to anger.
"It's perfectly disgraceful!" she
gasped. "It ought not to be al
lowed!" "Oh, look at the bangs!" Jeered
Alice. "Dr. Wendham, do you sup
pose she took ether when she had
them removed? And look at me!
It's the snap that Barney took at
Hempstead. But wait! Stop! Look!
Lsten! Unfold tho page and gaze!
We fade Into Insignificance before
the blaze of the Lawdon as she ap
peared when rivaling tho Opera
House chandelier
"LIST OP STOLEN ARTICLES.
"Now, we'll really know, of
course.
"Diamond tiara, valued at.. $25, 000
Sapphire set, valued at. . . . 20,000
Ruby and diamond pendant,
valued at 30,000
Pearl and diamond collar,
valued at 18,000
Diamond and pearl ring,
valued at 3,000
Emerald necklace, valued at 60,000
"She's going strong!
"Brown and yellow diamond
ring 5,000
Brown, pear-shaped pearl
earrings 5,000
Emerald and diamond din
ner ring 2,000
Diamond bow knot 5,000
"Now, if that doesn't incite the
starving East Side to riot It won't
be the fault ot the editorial writer
and tho police misinformation bu
reau. When the Lawdon reads that
she'll forgive John for lifting her
twinkles. She couldn't have had It
better done If she'd been a prima
donna with an expensive press
agent."
Wendham turned from the win
dow, his hands deep in his pockets.
"Ever run down?" he inquired.
Alice laughed. "Are you asking
as clock maker, a physician, or a
foxhound?" She sobered suddenly,
threw the paper upon tho center ta
ble and leaned back with her feet
crossed and her hands in her pockets.
"But I'll tell you who is run down
for sure it's poor Nellie. I stepped
into her room before I camo down.
She's done. Looks to mo as If she
was in for a good, big attack of
something. Adele was putting com
presses on her head."
(To be continued.)
French "Tommies" and Their Bread.
The little loaves of bread supplleu
to the French soldier have from time
Immemorial been known by the name
of "boules de son" (literally "bran
balls"). Their origin dates back to
the First Republic. In the Middle
Ages the French "Tommy Atkins" re
ceived no rations, and had to depend
on what he could get from the ene
my. At a later date a commissariat
department was created, and the sol
dier was allowed two loaves, of twelve
ounces, per diem. In 1790 the troops
received free rations of bread without
any deduction from their pay. This
bread contained a little Hour, but bran
predominated hence the name, "bran
balls." In 1870 it was decided to sup
ply bread made of flour only, but the
loaves continued to retain their old
..ame. Now the "boule de son" is
about to disappear absolutely, and the
"braves soldats" will henceforth have
bread lighter and more nourishing
than hitherto.
A Busy Joy.
The diminutive office boy had work
ed hard on a "salary" of three dollars
a week. He was a subdued little
chap, faithful and quiet. Finally,
however, he plucked up courage
enough to ask for an increase. A
writer in the Kansas City Star tells
the tale.
"How much more would you like?"
Inquired his employer.
"Well," answered the lad, "I don't
think that two dollars more a week
would be too much."
"You are a rather small boy to be
earning five dollars a week."
"I suprose I am," he replied. "I
know I'm small for my use,- but to
tell the truth, since I've worked here
I've been so busy I haven't had time
to grow."
He got the "raise."
Sk Signs.
Whether ciiar or cloudy, a rosy
sunset presages fine weather. A sick
ly looking, greenish hue, wind and
rain. A dark or Indian red, rain. A
red sky In the morning, bad weather
or much wind; perhaps rain. A gray
sky in the mornmg, fine weather. A
high dawn, wind; a low dawn, fair
weather. Remarkable clearness of at
mosphere near the horizon, distant ob
jects, such as hills, unusually visible
or raised by refraction, and what is
called a good "hearing day," may be
mentioned among signs of wet, if not
wind.
OUR IMMUNE
JUDGES.
If a general on the battlefield com
mits a grave strategical blunder which
costs thousands of lives, the world is
thrilled with horror; but a judge may
so misapprehend a critical situation as
to bring sorrow and suffering to un
numbered homes for generations, and
we dumbly acquiesce, as if viewing
a visitation from heaven.
A Gruesome Paperweight.
On tho writing-table of King Ed
ward VU, In the palace of Sandrlng.
ham, lies the mumifled hand ot an
Egyptian princess who died three
tlm'innnd or rnoro yean ago. It was
presented to the king by a famous
Egyptologist.
HOME DRESSMAKING II J HOME DRESMAKlNQl
By Charlotte Mutia. By Charlotte Martbk
GIRL'S NEAT FROCK. LADIES' CORED SKIRT.
Pattern No. 460. This design la
pretty made of plain or bordered ma
terials, the picture showing it of bor
dered challls. The fullness in tho
waist is gathered under the revers in
front and the dross opens all the way
down In the back. The belt is slightly
curved.
Cut in 4 sizes, 4, 6, 8 and 10 yrs.
Size 6 requires 4 1-4 yds. of plain ma
terial 27 inches wide or 5 1-4 yds. of
bordered material.
STRAIGHT TOP CORSET COVER.
Pattern No. 446. For embroidery
on bordered lawn this design Is ex
cellent. The garment has a straight
upper edge, which makes it very suit
able for flouncing also. The edge la
gathered by a ribbon and fitted by the
underarm seams.
Cut In 5 sizes, 32 to 40 bust meas
ure. Size 36 requires 1 5-8 yds. of ma
terial 16 inches wide.
FRONT CLOSING WAIST.
Pattern No. 452. One of the most
popular designs of the season Is
shown in this shirtwaist The collar
Is fastened to the waist and buttons
in front. Tho cuffs are close to tho
wrist and button like the collar.
Stitching and folded silk rectangles,
in which the buttonholes are made,
form the only decoration.
Cut in 6 sizes, 32 to 40 bust meas
ure. Size 36 requires 3 1-3 yds. of 27
inch material.
HOW TO ORDER PATTERN8.
Send ten cents for each pattern do
sired to Charlotte Martin, 402 W. 23d
Street, New York, (live No. of pat
em and size wnntp'l.
Pattern No. 431. This four cored
skirt Is a practical design for any ma
terial, but is particularly good for tho
heavier varieties. The band is a
plain bias strip sewed to tho skirt on
lines which are marked on the pat
tern and braided with a Greek design.
Cut in 5 sizes, 22 to 30 waist meas
ure. Size 26 waist requires 5 3-4 yds.
of 27 inch material.
Pattern No. 458. For house wear n
dress like this has many advantages
over a waist and skirt. It is made in
one piece and buttons all the way
down the side front and has a band
sowod on .the bottom which extends
all the way around exoept on the front
panel.
Cut in 5 sizes, 32 to 40 bust meas
ure. Size 36 requires 10 1-3 yds. of 27
inch material.
PRETTY MORNING JACKET.
Pattern No. 448. This new and
dainty dressing sacquo suggests very
much the tailor made shirtwaist. The
design shown Is made of flannelette,
but Is suitable for any thin material.
Cut In 6 sizes, 32 to 40 bust meas
ure. Size 36 requires 2 2-3 yds. of
27 Inch material.
HOW TO ORDER PATTERNS.
Bend ten cents for each pattern de
sired to Charlotte Martin, 402 W. 23d
Street, New York. Give No. ot pafc
tern and size wanted.
446