Argosy All-Story Weekly, Vol. 123, No. 3 — page 160: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

‘they’ve arrested? 442 said Peggy, “but I believe it is the truth: the man they are ‘accusing did not kill my mother.”’ Brent was on his feet. say that?” ‘* Because I have reasons 5 for bglieving it was some one else.” “Who?” challenged Brent; and when she did not reply, demanded: ‘“ Don’t you realize that it may mean death for the man He said nearly enough this morning to convict himself.” “You must prevent it.” cs I?” «é Yes. ”? “ But how can 1? “Surely if I tell you that the man is innocent you can’prove it.” “ Can’t you see—” “T don’t expect you to prove it yourself, Phil,” ‘she said quickly. “ What I want you to do is to get the best lawyers. I will pay. You must tell them that this man is not guilty; that—” “What do you suppose the lawyers “Why do you would do the minute I explained I was’ engaging them because you believed the man was innocent? Why, they’d be after you.” “You're not to tell them.” “Then, how could I—” “Tt is for me, Phil!” pleaded the girl. “Then, tell me all that you know.” “I can’t tell you anything more,” she protested. ‘‘ But this man must not be convicted for something he didn’t do.” “He will be,’ answered Brent, “ and you will be called as a witness against him—to establish the existence of a mo- tive. 9 “ Phil!” sobbed the girl. really do that?” He nodded. “But I couldn’t!” she gasped. “‘ They’ll make you,” he replied. “ You say you believe the man did not do it, but just the same you'll have to take the stand and testify that you know the money was hidden behind that brick, and that you discovered it was missing. You can im- “Will they agine what that will mean to the man on trial.” | “IT can’t do it! I can’t do it!” . dleton stepped b&ck. ARGOSY-ALLSTORY WEEKLY. “Then, tell me the truth about all this!” ‘““T would have to—to go—into court,’ she -said brokenly, ‘“ and—and testify against—”’ The girl covered her face with her hands. ‘Can you de that?” he asked steadily. “Is there—no way?” “You can only avoid it by leaving the State before they have a chance to sum- mons you.” “ Then, i must Go that!” she declared, with a determination that broke and left her pleading: “Oh, Phil, you must help me—”’ There was a rap at the door. “Yes,” said Phil, going over to open it. “It’s that Mr. Pendleton,” said. mam- my. ‘“ He wants to see Miss Peggy.” ‘Do you suppose he’s here to. make me testify?” the girl asked fearfully. « ‘“‘ Perhaps,” said Brent; “but I doubt it. We'll see.” He started down-stairs. ‘There, I know what you’re going to say!” exclaimed Pendleton, as Brent was about to speak. “ But I must see Miss Spalding.” " The prosecutor was fumbling in his pocket. ‘Something has happened to change the whole aspect of the case. [I want her to try to identify this writing.” He drew out an envelope. In a flash it occurred to Brent that with Peggy Archer so deeply involved with de- velopments going as they had been, any change must be for the better. He led “Penaleton to the front room up-stairs. “Sorry to trouble you, Miss Spalding,” apologized the prosecutor as he entered, “but perhaps this will be good news for you. I want you to see what’s in this envelope.” He held it out. “ What’s in it?” she asked faintly as she held out her hand. The instant she took the envelope Pen- “Tf you open it,” he said, “ you'll find a subpena to appear before the grand jury.” Brent swung around on the prosecuter, to find him smiling. “I imagined, doctor,” he laughed cold- ly, “that by this time Miss Spalding had -- . .Qgainal fre NEO) ir_ = a? ny SQOY ig " . q 0) @ conetl mK ATE UN . , T =