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The Blyth Standard, 1930-05-08, Page 2The Step on the Stairs By ISABEL OSTRANDER CHAPTER X1.—(Cont'd.) "She asked if the Griswold swold woman had di -played any particular talent in my direction such as amateur theatricals or that sort of thing, but all I' recalled the creature had done had been to sketch clever but rather cruel caricatures now and then for our amusement," "Just one more question, Mrs. Tyr- rell," legged Barry. "You said the girl's hair looked as if it had been bleached out in the sun; do you re- member whether it was curly or straight?" "Straight as a string," Mrs. Tyr- rell responded. "Irenc's hair had been soft and curling about her face, while her sister's was fiat and dank and unpleasant -looking es though she had been drowned! Now I really mut hurry or you'll miss ,four train," He took leave of Mrs. Tyrrell at the station just as the New York train was pulling in, but made no attempt to get aboard; instead ho waited for the Western express and as he entered the Pullman he chuckled to himself. "Gad what luck!" he murmured. "What a coincidence! Fate played right into her hands!" CHAPTER XII. The group which gathered in Pro- fessor Semyonov's shabby, comfortable living room a fey days later was a strangely assorted one, but the faces of all held the same intent expression and their eyes were focussed on the boyish figure which lounged easily in the window seat, All the tenants of the huuse were present except the keeper of the antique shop; Gordon Ladd, moody and silent; Henry Gris- wold with his little skull -cap; the pro- fessor himself, as imperturbable as ever, and even the pale, shrinking lit- tle Miss Shaw from her attic studio. In addition the Chief had conde- scended to come over from headquar- ters and lend his august countenance to the proceedings, and Sergeant Craig stood near, looking as though he were not quite sure what was going to drop on him, while, unseen, outside the door two stalwart men remained on guard, "I've got a little story :o tell you all; it won't take long." The figure in the window straightened. Deep silence rewarded hint save for an audilbe gulp from Craig and a slight rustle of Miss Shaw's gown as she settled back resignedly in her chair. Barry went on: "Long ago out in a village I Michi- gan, two girls were left orphans under the rascally guardianship of a hypo- critical bank president. The older girl was delicate, the younger crippled to the point of physical deformity but with a strong, determined, alert mind. They wen e possessed of a ;it tiePro - perty and their guardian made up his mind to marry the oldest girl off as early and as well as possible, but he saw his chance with the younger one because of her infirmity. He put her in an institution which was practically an idiot asylum, and her older sister was powerless to help her. "Itis a wonder that the little crip- ple's mind didn't give way with the horrors about her, but it didn't even when a greater horror and grief came into her life. Their guardian sent the o' --der sister to a fasheinable school in another• state where a daughter of a rich family grew fond of her and took her to her own home in a distant city for a summer vacation. "There the orphan met and married a titan of wealth when she loved de- votedly, but who fell into the toils of n designing woman of undeniable fas- cination.; the woman who was shot to death downstairs a few nights ago, the erring blackmailing wife of Mr. Gris- wold, here " A gasp that was like the stirring of dry leaves ran around the little circle, but no one spoke and after a moment Barry continued: "There were two years of happy married life, however, before the other woman appeared upon the scene, and daring those two years the bride was WRIGLE WRIGLEY'S Is good company on any trip. It's delicious flavor adds zest and enjoyment. The sugar•sup- plies pep and energy when the day seems long. In short it's good and good for you. iSSiJE No. 18—'30 enabled to provide for her younger sister, setet remove L • e by law from th hand of their guardian and have her completely cured of the physical dis- ability which had crippled her. In re- turn the younger sister adored her passionately with a single -hearted de- votion which bore fruit in later years, "When the woman known tt a you but one as 'Mrs, Vane' eloped the husband of the older siste broke her heart and destroyed mind. She died within the year when her husband heard of it he himself in remorse; the cartridge s from that shot was found among so-called Mrs. Vane's effects a days ago. "In the meantime, however, she found her husband again, suceee by a ruse in making circumstances pear in the eyes of the law as th he had condoned her unfaithfuln and has been blackmailing hien e since, playing with fire but never ag permitting herself to be burned, si it would mean the loss of her Inco "She may have almost forgotten t first mad escapade, but she recko without that little sister of the g wife whose life she had brought do to the grave. "She was plentifully supplied w money and the little sister was p with her own living to snake, while pursued her search, but she cortin it for seven years, and then the lo arms of coincidence stepped in a placed her enemy within her res Only two things puzzle ane; -when s first knew that Mss, Vane was Miri Griswold, and what became of t small pistol with which she fired fr the fire -escape through the bull's -e which she had previously marked up the canvas of the portrait, straig into Mrs. Vane's heart. Can you t us, Miss Barrows?" He turned abruptly to the ant figure of Miss Shaw, but this time s did not shrink, nor was there slightest surprise or hesitation as s replied: "Yes, the pistol is here, I lune that Professor Semyonovs apartnne was the only one in the building whi would be exempt from search, so whi e was downstairs with you, Sergea Barry, befogs Sergeant Craig came u I slipped in here—the door heel bee left open—and dropped the pistol b hind that pile of violin music. I coul see it hadn't been touched for months "It is nearly a month since," th young woman went on, "going out lat one,evening I passed Mrs. Vane's doo and heard her in a heated discussio with Mr. Griswold, Of course I lone who he was from the day he came her tc live, so I stopped and listened, Sh was snaking a demand for more none and I soon heard enough to tell 10 that me. search was finally ended. had a speaking n acquaintance P g q lance with he already end a week after that nigh I managed to have her invite ane int her studio, "I watched her as she sat upon he stool, painting, saw that her brews was an a level with the third step o the stairs in the portrait, and, gettin behind it, marke-' the spot on the can vas with a bit of red point. You see I'd planned during that week jus what I should do; I knew that she often worked at night and I only awaited my opportunity." She nodded and even smiled slightly at Craig, who stood awkwardly dangl- ing in his huge hands the tiny pistol he had retrieved from beneath the dusty heap of music. "That's what I did it with; I've carried it for seven years, hut I'in finished with it nom" 11 of with r it her and shot hell the few had ded ap- ou •h e5S, 501' ain nce me. hat ned irl- wn ith oor, she ned ng nd ch. he am he our ye on ht ell all he he he nt ch le nt p n e- d e r n w e e y e t 0 t• f g "What made you go down again afterwards, Miss?" Craig evidently felt that something was expected ..of hint, "I mean when the medical ex- aminer was there and ordered yon away from the apse?" "I wanted to smear the brown paint which I new .ra, still wet or the can- vas, over the bullet hole so that it would not be so readily discovered, and 1 olid." She turned to Harry. "I don't in the least care what happens to nie now, but I ane curious to know what made you suspect ane at first." "The calibre of the pistol used," lie replied. "It was distinctly a woman's weapon; Mrs, Vane was the ruthless, predatory type who if she turned sex outlaw would be the natural enemy of all women; you were the only other feminine tenant in the house and you made contradictory statements. When 1 found the bullet hole in the canvas 1 knew the shot must have been fired from just outside the window, the fire escape was the only means of access and the choice lay between you and Mr. Griswold. He would not have paid blackmail to her all these years if he had meant to run his own neck'into a noose by eliminating her, so when I started West we were pretty sure of our ground, Sergeant Craig and 1." "But the steps we heard on the stairs!" Professor Semyonov ex- claimed. 'They were those of Mr. Griswold ascending and a moment later Mr. Ladd descending," Barry remarked. "Chief, I think our -ase is finished," "May I speak?" Professor Semy- onov rose before the official could re- ply. "If it can be proven that this young lady was for years an innate of an institute for the crippled and feeble-minded I think that I can assist in furthering the ends of real justice, providing you are willing, sire to en- trust her to my care. A nine -days' ioL.,sntion in the newspapers, a year or so for Miss Barrows in a quiet retreat id which I know and which the Dis- trict Attorney himself will endorse and the world will have forgotten alike tho evil woman whose execution took place beneath this roof and the man- ner of it," "I'1! take a chance on you any time, Professor!" f e The 11 Chief spoke ' r in a relieved tone. "Sergeant Craig, see that Miss Barrows is glared in the prison ward at Bellevue temporarily, under the charge of manslaughter," After the young woman had been led away sobbing hysterically, Pro- fessor Sentyonov turned once more to I3arry with a whimsical senile, "You were right, iuy friend, it had everything to 'de with the crime after all; that step on the stairs." (Tho End.) What New York Is Wearing BY ANNEBELL E WORTHINGTON Illustrated Dressmaking Lesson Furnished With, Every Pattern A silk and wool crepe mixture in Riviera blue that answers many day- time needs. It expresses simplicity andgoodwear taste tonowbeneath beeath the fur wrap, and may be worn all through the Spring, The unpressed plaits of the skirt are secured by,stitching to keep hips faflt. They create charming youthfulness in their soft rippling fulness across front, The rolled collar is of plain blue crepe. Style No, 3380 conies in sizes 16, 18 years, 30, 38, 40 and 42 inches bust. Lettuce green jersey, navy blue crepe silk with white crepe collar and a yellowish and brown tweed are effective combinations. HOW TO ORDER t'ATTERNS Write your name and address plain- ly, giving number and size of such patterns as you want. Enclose 20c in stamps or coin (coin preferred; wrap it carefully) for each number, and address your order 1 Wilson Pattern Service, 73 West Adelaide St., Toronto, • Sing, Boys, Sing! Everyone's against you? Well, they won't be long: Nothing veers so quickly As a thoughtless throng! Don't take any notice, But keep on along, Pull your belt up tighter And just sing this song: Where there is a valley There's a hill as well; What will cone to -morrow You can never tell. Life is rather dreary? 1Velt, It might be worse! Soe folks may be looking In amn empty purse, To your dull condition Quite a spark you'll bring, If you fled some laughter And you start to sing; Where there is a valley There's a hill as well; What will come to morrow You can never tell. Clouds are round about you? .. ANell, they'll blow away! Darkness goes with morning, Night must leave for day. Rain can't last for ever, Snow goes with the Spring; Take your old umbrella And jest gaily sing: Where there is a valley There's a hill as well; What will come tomorrow You can never tell. The world knows nothing of I greatest .men.—Sir Henry Taylor. Heat the Sprain with Minard'a, Modern Girls Air Knotty Problems Happy • and Jolly But Not Frivolous, Declares Speaker Oxford, 1'1� i --fiho ( b• modern t u g*Irl became vigorous In her own defence in the course of a conference which was held recently at St, Hugh's Col- lege. It was the conference of the Na- tional Council of Girls' Clubs, attend- ed by girls employed in factories, in trade, and in domestic service. The problem of the modern girl arose during a dismission on the func- tions of the clubs. "I am tired," declared Josephine Duckworth, secretary of the Liverpool Union of Girls' Chubs, 'of hearing these endless criticisms of the modern girl, The girl of to-eley as seen 1n our clubs has a sense of responsibility of which any suction of tho community could he proud, "When you get to know her as we know her at the clubs, you see that she has a very much greater sense of responsibility and a desire for service than her Victorian predecessor: What is merely a happy and jolly outlook on life is too often Interpreted by those eager to chiticize the modern girl as frivolity, Site takes a sane and healthy interest In politics, but she has not much time for partisanship." Miss A. Quint, of Manchester, sug- gested that the girl of today had to do all her living in her leisure time be- cause her work was se exacting, "Therefore," said MIse Quint, "she eeks one 'crowded hour of glorious ife' to snake up for the age -long day t the factory 51' shop. Clubs are be - inning to realize that this is the rea- 00 why so many girls seek excite- ment in the foram of pictures, dances, nd tine streets." In a debate on the ways in which women may be helped in their work y legislation, a number of the girls ead short papers which were followed Y a general exchange of views, Miss 1;, Godfrey (Shoreditch) de - fared that a girl should not be turned way from a labor exchange as "not enulnely seeking work' because she efused to take a floor -mopping job. "It is unfair to the mistress and to ie girl," she urged, "to force unsuit- ble material into domestic service. 'hen the servant is given every even - g, one half-day a week, and every unday free, like other girls, then I 111 take a floor -mopping job myself, t not before then." Miss Dorothy Elliott, National Union General and Municipal Workers, so protested against taking unskilled ople into domestic service, There as no reason, she said, why domestic `vice should not be regulated by v, as other i1ndustries were. TO -DAY To -day Is your day and mine, the and day y we have, the clay in which we play our part. What our part may signify in the great whole, we may not understand, but we are here to play it, and now is oar time. his we know, it is a part of action, not of. whining. It In a part of love, not cynicism, 1t is for us to express love in terms of htunan helpfntness. This we know, for we have learned from sad experience that any other course of life leads toward weakness and misery. David Starr Jordan, 1 a g s a b r b c a g r 11 11 in S w bu of al pe w se las -However free we may be, we are not free to do the things which inter- fere with the equal freedom of other people.—liavelocic EIIisi ANY SEASON Is Vacation Time In Atlantic City ANY VACATION Is An Assured Success If Yon Stay at the ST. CHARLES With the Finest Location and the Longest Porch on the Boardwalk. Offering the ultimate in Service with Unexcelled Cuisine IN No matter how severe, you can always have immediate relief: Aspirin always stops pain quickly. It does it without any i11 effects. Harmless to the heart; harmless to anybody, But • it always brings relief. Why suffer? AShIII,I% TRADE MARK RED, Salada Orange Pekoe Blend gives greatest satisfaction I! ORA""' BA.fi J.BALEA. T A 'Fresh from the gardens' 111 Have You Noticed? Blue Skies, Clouds that pass, Violet eyes Peep front grass. Gurgling brook, Blooming trees, Mossy nook, Balmy breeze, Fervid blood In a riot; Sulphur and Molasses diet. Lambs that skip, Birds that sing. This, Dear Reader, This is Spring! PERSISTENCE Some men are born with what Is called "hair trigger" minds. They seem to be able to see the right thing to do the very moment the need for It arises, Such a faculty is, of course, a most valuable possession. How- ever, there are far more of us who are not so blessed and what we accom- plish has to be done by "trial and er- or," making mistakes and then correct - Ing them, But in this we have no cause for lament. There are many of us and It may be comforting to know that most of the world's pro- gress has been fashioned by thts kind of men, The qualities of patience and persistence are of far more value to the world than sheer brilliance. Patience and persistence may build slower but they build more surely and they are among the finest tools the salesman can acquire, Minard's Checks Falling Hair. Lingerie Collars A new conceit in the lingerie note on the print frock Is the molten and sleeve tab of white organdie, elaborat- ed with an incrusted motif of the print, It is quite different from the usual pleating or bit of embroidered batiste, 4IART's LAWN MOWERS CANADA'S BEST/ It ion i pose i ble to build abetter lawn mower ihan Si'tuer'1s Smartb Mowers have proved their superiority wherever$rase le grown Easy running,kear cutting and/Molntepr paronioed, ASK MR HARDWARE MAN JAMES SMARTPLAN7 BROCKVILLE ONT, kiih NATURE Away! ye burdens laid on thought That draw the spirit down; It Is the woodlands and the spring And dells is mountains river, All nature speaking loftier things That draw us into Heaven. —Charles Watts Russellc- 0 Prices from 00c 10 $4.00 Watch for,fhe SMP Zabel of quality on`all Enameled Kifchen Utensils you buy. ^+rr ammummuming Imo em W_ _ HAT unexpected spacious- ness in this Cunard Tourist Third Cabin Dining -Room, typical 'of the accommodation on this (popular class! Intimate little tables, laden with flowers; spot- less napery; and a menu of endless variety and astonishing generosity I Tourist Third Cabin rates adjusted. Cabin Class rates revised, Ask for information. \1'eelily sailings from :11,3a.rcal (and Qnebo:i Rook through The Cunard tine,. Corner of Bay and Wellington Streets, Toronlo, (Tal. Elgin 34111. or any steamship agent CUNA CANADIAN SERVICE CABIN -+TOURIST THIRD CABIN -!•THIRD CIASS ' mat r_zenu r u•x Scraggly, unshaven beards are like dull, unpolished shoes... both are entirely out of keeping with your pride of personal appearance ... so keep your shoes 11 waterproofs the shoes as it polishes. at all times smart with "Nugget" which go71e1e► ereEsl SHOE POLISH ie NUGOET TIN open) with a twiAt l