CHAPTER XIII THE TRUESDELL EYEBROWS
Maurice Trask looked at Miss Mystery with rapidly growing interest andcuriosity. She seemed so young and helpless and she was so pretty and sopathetic that he immediately decided she could not be mixed up in anywrong-doing. He also decided, for he was a man of quick conclusions, thatthis was the girl for him. Having his new fortune, he wanted a wife tohelp him enjoy it, and where could he find a more utterly desirable girlthan Miss Austin?
Straightforwardly he asked:
"Did Doctor Waring make love to you? Did you love him?"
The others looked aghast at these suggestions, and then Mrs. Adams said,
"Yes, she did! I saw her one night, kissing Doctor Waring's picture."
Cray turned on Anita.
"Did you love that man?" he asked, sternly. "If you did, you surelydidn't kill him."
"Of course she didn't kill him," Old Salt put in. "Impossible to imaginesuch a thing! Speak up, little girl. Why did you kiss the picture of aman you had never seen?"
Several of those listening waited breathlessly for a response.
Gordon Lockwood, for one, could scarce control his impatience to hear theanswer. For, only too well he remembered the letter he had found in theDoctor's waste-basket. The words were graven in his brain.
Darling Anita: At the first glance of your brown eyes love was born in myheart. Life is worth living--with you in the world.
If love at first sight had been born in the man's heart, must it not havefound response in the girl's? Or, even if not, could she have killed aman who felt thus toward her? Truly she was a mystery. For, the very factthat Waring had fallen in love with her, made possible, even plausible,her clandestine visit to him, and her possession of the money and jewel.
Could it be that the pretty little thing was merely a sly adventuress?That she cajoled Waring into giving her the valuables, and then--
No, Gordon Lockwood could not and would not believe any evil of the girlhe loved. Even though she should admit her love for Waring, he would notlose faith in her.
"Answer me," Cray demanded. "Answer this direct question directly. Didyou love Doctor Waring?"
Almost like one hypnotized, Miss Mystery gave a helpless glance at herinquisitor and murmured a low, almost inaudible "yes."
"Then why did you kill him?" Cray stormed at her.
"I--I didn't."
"You were there, in his study the night he--he died."
"N--no, I wasn't."
"You were! It's been proved. You went over from this house, across thesnow field, and you went in the study and you sat on the plush chair,near the desk. Didn't you?"
The great dark eyes seemed unable to tear themselves from Cray's face,and again the half-breathed whisper was, "yes."
"I protest!" said Trask. "That girl shall not be tortured. Whether she'sguilty or not, she's entitled to fairer treatment. You can't make her saythose things that may be used against her! Quit it, Cray. I forbid it."
"That's right, Cray," Lockwood said, quietly. "You've no right to baitMiss Austin--you make her admit things through sheer fright."
And it was true. Miss Mystery was trembling, and her face was white, savefor the delicate flush on her cheeks and lips that she had placed thereherself.
Her great eyes, beneath their heavy dark brows flew from one face toanother, and she did not fail to notice the fact that every man in theroom, Cray perhaps excepted, was in sympathy with her, while every womanwas against her.
This must have comforted her, for she looked about, a faint smile dawningin her eyes.
"Is that true?" she said, "may I be excused from this questioning until Ican get counsel? I don't know what to say--myself--"
Her pretty distress and helplessness again appealed to the masculinesympathy, and, realizing this, she ignored the other sex.
A puzzled expression crossed the face of Maurice Trask.
"Who in the world can she be?" he thought. "That last flash of thoseeyes, as she drew her heavy eyebrows into a straight line surely remindedme of somebody. By heavens! the Truesdell brows!"
Again he scanned the oval little face. He shook his head in uncertainty,but again declared to himself, "The Truesdell eyebrows!"
"Now look here, all of you," Old Saltonstall Adams said, "I don't believethis child is guilty of anything really wrong. If she caught the fancy ofDoctor Waring, it may seem pretty awful to us old fogies, but a prettygirl like Miss Austin can't help charming the menfolks. I don't want todiscuss that, but I do say that it's no crime to go to see a man in theevening, and too, she may have had some errand we know nothing about. DidDoctor Waring give you that money of his own free will, Miss Austin?"
"Yes," said Anita, involuntarily, and then bit her lip as she added, "Itold you he didn't give it to me."
"There, there, don't say any more, you only contradict yourself. I had nobusiness to ask that. Now, Mr. Cray, from now on, I take Miss Austinunder my personal care. I'll be responsible for her appearance when youwant her. And," he looked at his wife, "Mrs. Adams will back me up. Shetoo will shelter and care for Miss Austin--"
"Unless she is proved guilty," Esther Adams broke in. "In that case--"
"Wait until she is," Old Salt said, in his calm way. "I don't guaranteeher innocence--I only want to prevent injustice to her. Have you funds toengage a lawyer, Miss Austin?"
Again that frightened look made the girl seem anything but innocent.
"Would I have to tell a lawyer--everything?" she asked.
"Yes, yes--to be sure," Trask broke in. "But what of that? I'll betyou've nothing to tell him incriminating to yourself. You exaggerate yourconnection with this matter. I'll bet you were there that night on someperfectly innocent errand--at least so far as Doctor Waring's death isconcerned."
"Oh, I was!" Anita said, and then, as quickly, "But I wasn't there atnight--it was in the afternoon."
Lockwood groaned in spirit. Everything this girl said made her more of aprevaricator, even though she might be innocent of crime. Surely she wasmixed up in the matter, and must know who gave the fatal stab--if shedidn't do it herself. If only Nogi could be found. He, of course, wasimplicated.
"I'll get a lawyer for you, if you'll let me, Miss Austin," Lockwoodsaid, unable to resist his impulse to help her.
"I am a lawyer," said Maurice Trask, "I here and now offer my services toMiss Austin. If you'll accept, my dear young lady, I promise to use mybest efforts to do all that can be done for you."
"But do I have to tell you--" again Anita began, perplexedly--her browsstraight.
Trask gazed at her fixedly, and then he said, "That will be between us.You will decide when we talk things over, what to tell me and what not."
He spoke as to a fractious child, and his voice was kind and helpful eventhough his inflections were not cultured.
Lockwood looked at him uneasily. Might not this man's kindness andassistance to the distressed girl lead her to feel such gratitude that itwould be no hard matter for Trask to win more than gratitude? Lockwoodwas nervously sensitive to the interest Trask took in Anita, and wellknew his state of mind toward the little beauty.
And, instead of being lessened by the trend of suspicion toward Anita,Lockwood's own infatuation deepened with every glance he allowed himselfat the lovely face.
The countenance of Miss Mystery was ever changing. Now, she was awistful-eyed child, and in a flash she was an inscrutable youngwoman--only to change the next instant to a wrongly accused and innocentmartyr.
Anyway, Lockwood told himself, he meant to win her, and if Trask stood inhis way, Trask must be set aside, that was all. An indomitable will oughtto be able to conquer the intents of a self-made, unattractive man ofTrask's type. And, too, a love like his own, surging more fully everymoment must appeal to the girl, once he could get a chance to declare it.
Lockwood was by no means a conceited man, but he had a true sense ofvalue and he knew that he was a fitter mate for Miss M
ystery than Trask,if the girl could know them both.
"I know a lawyer," Lockwood began, "here in Corinth. Might he not be abetter man for you, Miss Austin, than a stranger in the town?"
"Just why?" Trask said, his eyes coldly scanning Lockwood's face.
"Because he would have known Doctor Waring, and--and all thecircumstances," Lockwood concluded a little lamely.
"Not much of an argument," Trask dismissed the suggestion. "Also, Ipromise not to cost the lady as much as any other counsel would."
This speech was accompanied by an admiring glance that was so nearly asmirk that Lockwood with difficulty kept his hands off Trask's throat.
Mrs. Peyton, who with Helen had sat almost wordless through the wholesession, now rose to go.
"Come, Helen," she said, "we are of no use here, and I'd rather take youaway."
Her implication that the presence of Miss Mystery was contaminating wastoo plain to be mistaken, and mother and daughter left the room.
"Well," Cray said, "I've pretty much made up my mind in this matter. Imake no arrest now, since you're going to be responsible, Mr. Adams, forMiss Austin's presence when desired. But, I think I see it all. I think Ican reconstruct the whole case, and I think there will be decideddevelopments very soon."
"You do," was Trask's response to this speech, and as one by one allpresent rose to go, Trask remained, and asked that he might see MissAustin alone.
"Guess I'll stand by," said Old Salt, and something in the grim butkindly old face made Trask give tacit consent.
Straightforwardly the man set about his inquiries.
"Now, first of all, Miss Austin," Trask said, "where is your home?"
An obstinate look came into her eyes, and she hesitated a moment. Then,with a sudden change of expression, she said, "Indianapolis."
"Address?"
"Six-twenty-seven Jackson Street."
Trask's eyebrows went up at this, and he gave her a searching look, butMiss Mystery showed no embarrassment.
"Sure of the number?" he said, "I know Indianapolis pretty well."
"I'm sure," was the cool reply, and Trask went on.
"Know Doctor Waring before you came here?"
"No."
"Never saw him before?"
"Never, to my knowledge."
"You didn't kill him?"
Anita only shook her head slowly, but Trask did not press her for averbal answer.
"Yet you were there that night. Now, it's useless to deny it, for theprints of those doodads on the back of that very frock you have on nowwere on the plush back of the chair you sat in. Young Lockwood smoothedthem away--Lord knows why! He must suspect you, I should say, and triedto shield you that way."
"Could he?" asked Miss Mystery, hopefully.
"Could he shield you? No, my child, he couldn't, but I can. You justtrust yourself to me, and you'll have no trouble, no trouble at all.You've got Mr. Saltonstall, here, and me for friends. Something tells meyou won't need anybody else. We'll pull you through, eh, Old Salt?"
Though accustomed to the nickname from the townspeople, Mr. Adams didn'trelish it from this stranger, and he merely said, "I'm Miss Austin'sfriend, be sure of that."
"So'm I," Trask declared. "Now, little lady, you needn't tell all youknow, but some things you must tell me. Anybody among your relativesnamed Truesdell?"
Only a quick eye could have caught a fleeting look of dismay on her face,as Anita promptly responded, "No--not that I know of."
"Falsehood number one," said Trask to himself. "What the deuce is she upto?"
But aloud, he only said,
"All right. Now, why did you come to Corinth?"
"To sketch," said Anita glibly, and smiling at him. "I'm an artist, yousee--I paint water-colors."
"Yes--I see. Now, just why did you hide that stiletto of yours?"
"I was frightened. I was afraid they would think I killed Doctor Waring."
"Why did you fear that?"
"Oh, I don't know." She was almost flippant now. "Those detectives are soqueer, they're likely to suspect anybody. And they said the weapon usedwas a round, sharp instrument, so--so I hid the thing."
"You didn't use that to kill him?"
"Oh, no!"
"What did you use?"
"I didn't kill him."
"Who did?"
"I think he killed himself."
"Mr. Adams," Trask turned to the old man, "please leave us two alone fora few moments. I ask you as a personal favor."
Without a word Old Salt left the room.
"Now, look here, Miss Austin," Trask said, in a determined tone, "I knowyou killed that man as well as I know you're here. Also, I know why. Or,at least, I don't know exactly why, but I have knowledge that will leadstraight to a revelation of the whole affair. I know you are related tothe Truesdells--though perhaps you don't know that yourself. Now, here'smy proposition. I'm a lawyer, and I'm known as a shrewd one. Many a timeI've made black appear white--and I can do it in your case. But--ifyou'll marry me, I'll get you off. Wait a minute--don't speak yet. I'mnot bad-looking, I'm kind-hearted and, by my cousin's death, I'm a richman. You may not love me yet--but I'll guarantee I can win youraffection. I fell in love with you, the very minute I saw you and I wantyou for my wife. You needn't marry me now--wait as long as you say--butgive me your promise, and I'll clear you of all suspicion in thisterrible affair. On the other hand--"
There was a pause, and then Anita said:
"On the other hand?"
"I shall tell what I know about you--and, well, you know yourself whatchance you will have then of getting off scotfree!"
"A threat?" and Miss Mystery flung up her proud little head.
"No; don't misunderstand. Not a threat. But I admit, a bribe. Marry me,and I'll free you. Say no--and I don't have to do a thing. The law willdo it all. You simpleton! Do you suppose you can keep your secret oncethe law really begins to hound you? Cray is only just opening his eyes toyour connections with the case. Lockwood has realized that you must beguilty, though he's trying hard not to believe it. Old Salt onlybefriends you because you're helpless and pretty--not because he thinksyou're innocent--any more than his wife does. The two Peytons hateyou--for reasons of their own--probably because you snared Lockwood awayfrom the lovely Helen. But none of those things will matter if you takeup with my offer. I'll carry you through with flying colors. You'll benot only freed from suspicion but eulogized and beloved by all who knowyou, and as my wife, you'll have a proud and enviable position."
Miss Mystery gave the speaker a look that not only took him in from headto foot but seemed to penetrate his very soul, and in a quiet, even tone,she said:
"Rather than marry you--I would face the electric chair."
The scorn in her voice, even more than the scathing words themselves,enraged Trask.
"Oh," he said, with ill-repressed fury, "you would, would you? Have yourown way, then, Miss Mystery--and soon your mystery will be known and youmay have your desire, and--face the electric chair!"
The girl rose, and stood, waiting.
"Go," she said, without glance or gesture.
And in a white heat of anger, Trask went.
"Now, dearie," Mrs. Adams said, coming in, "I don't want you to tell meanything. My husband bids me befriend you--and I will, so long as yourcase is uncertain. But if you're proved to be guilty, I--"
"Oh, don't fail me," and Miss Mystery threw herself into the other'sarms. "I am so lonely and so friendless--"
"Why are you? Where's your folks?"
Then Miss Mystery drew herself up, with a forlorn little attempt atdignity, and said, "I'd like to go to my room now, please."
Upstairs she went, slowly, and as she neared her own room Lockwood mether in the hall.
"Count me your friend," he said, simply, and held out his hand.
"I will," she replied, putting her little hand in his, and then, with onedeep glance, each knew of the other's love.
Lockwood's was written plain on his face, an
d his eyes, usually so calmand cold, were lighted with the intensity of his passion.
This Anita read, and her own response was quick and involuntary.
Perhaps it was a rebound from the awful proposals of Maurice Trask;perhaps it was a heart finding its mate--perhaps, remembering MissMystery's ways, it was mere coquetry, but the glances were exchanged andthey knew.
Anita went on to her room, and throwing herself into a chair, sat long inthought.
"What shall I do?" she asked herself over and over again. "What can I do?If only I hadn't taken the money--and the pin. Why did I do it? And hesaid Truesdell! How did he know? My eyebrows, I suppose. That awful man!And he'll tell--oh, yes, he'll surely tell--and that will poison Gordon'smind against me--oh, was anybody ever in such trouble as I?"
A tap at her door announced the maid with a note.
Alone again, Anita read it. It was from Lockwood and begged an interview.
"Please let me see you alone," it said; "I don't know how best to manageit. Will you go for a walk with me now? There's time for a short strollbefore dark."
Hurriedly Anita flung on hat and coat, and opened her door.
Lockwood was on the stair.
"Going out?" he said, casually, "may I walk with you?"
"Please do," said Anita, and they started out together.
"I'm sorry enough to do anything that seems clandestine," said Lockwoodas they walked, "but that feline lady, Miss Bascom, is watching yourevery move, and I can't let her get anything to criticise you for."
A grateful look rewarded him, and then Gordon went on: "Tell me, did Iread your eyes aright? Do you, can you care to know how I love you? How Ihave loved you from the moment I first saw you. Do you care, Anita? May Ilove you?"
"But you don't know me," she said, in a soft little voice. "And you doknow dreadful things about me."
"I don't care for any of those things. If they're dreadful, they're nottrue."
"Yes--they are true--some of them. And there are more dreadful things toknow--that you don't even suspect--Gordon."
The last word, spoken in the lowest, tenderest of voices, completedLockwood's infatuation. Had she not said that, he might have beendeterred by her statements, but that softly-breathed name, stirred hispulses, and in the deepening dusk he found her hand and said:
"Anita, I want you--I love you--none of these things count. I know youare in no way guiltily connected with this crime--if you are mixed upwith it, it is through force of circumstances, and anyway, I don't carewho or what you are--I love you, I believe in you and I want you."
"But it's all so dreadful--and I can't tell--"
"Don't tell anything you don't want to--"
"But that man will tell. That terrible Trask man."
Lockwood didn't waver in his fealty or loyalty but it was a blow to learnthat Trask knew something of Anita's secrets.
"I don't care," he said, firmly, "I love you."