CHAPTER XI
ARTHUR TRENTON
Discouraged I returned to my car and as I drove across the Square itsuddenly occurred to me that it was somewhere in this vicinity that theevening paper had stated that Cora Manning lodged. Her name carried meback to the inquest and the coroner's attempts to learn the girl'sidentity. It seemed strange now that I thought of it dispassionately,that of all the persons present in the study not one had any idea whoshe was. I did not for a moment credit the statement of the reporter whoclaimed that Darwin had put down the first name that had occurred to himmerely to annoy Ruth. Men as a rule do not leave their fortunes onimpulse to the first person they happen to think of, and I was prettycertain that Philip Darwin was no exception to this rule. If thereforethe uncle deemed her worthy to become his chief legatee, was it not morethan likely that the nephew was also acquainted with the girl? Irecalled the fact that Lee himself, in view of Ruth's statement, wasDarwin's real heir, yet he had not seemed to take it amiss that hisuncle intended to disinherit him, and I also recollected his peculiaractions as he denied all knowledge of Cora Manning, and my own belief atthe time that he knew the girl well.
Now I was convinced of the fact and acting on the impulse I headed thecar in the direction of the Yale Club, determined to see Lee Darwin andlearn the truth from him. When I arrived at my destination, I eagerlyascended the steps and entered the club; for though not a member myselfI foresaw no difficulty in the way of securing an interview. To mychagrin the steward to whom I confided my errand told me that Lee Darwinhad gone South the afternoon of the eighth, ostensibly on business, noras far as I could discover had he left any address behind.
That he should leave the city the day after the murder without waitingto attend his uncle's funeral, which was scheduled for the morrow,seemed to me the height of disrespect. I began to wonder if Lee Darwinhad had a very urgent reason for leaving town as soon as possible. Hehad sensed that his uncle was dead when he saw the coroner. Was itbecause he was the murderer? If so, why had he been foolhardy enough toreturn to the house, and how in the name of goodness had he vanishedfrom the study after killing his man in the dark!
Whereupon I gave it up in disgust and went home. Jenkins had waited upfor me and had evidently been listening for my return, for hardly had Iinserted the key in the lock when he opened the door.
"There's a gentleman waiting to see you, sir. He is in the library," hesaid in a low tone, as he helped me off with my overcoat. "He refused togive his name, sir."
"Very well, Jenkins." I started down the hall when I heard him again atmy elbow.
"Pardon my curiosity, sir," he whispered eagerly, "but did you see Mr.McKelvie, sir?"
"No. He is unfortunately away and won't be home for a week," I saidbitterly, realizing for the first time how much I had unconsciouslycounted upon this man's aid.
"Never mind, sir. The trial is two months away and in seven weeks Mr.McKelvie can solve anything, sir."
"Thank you for your encouragement at any rate," I answered, touched byhis desire to console me.
"It's the truth, sir," he replied simply.
"I wish I could think so," was my comment, but I did not speak it aloud.Not for anything would I have hurt his feelings by displaying the doubtswhich had descended upon me again as to the ability of this man he soevidently worshipped. Instead I nodded agreement and stepped into thelibrary.
"Mr. Trenton!"
Ruth's father was the last person I had expected to see, for I stillheld him responsible for all my misfortunes and I believe he was awareof the state of my feelings in the matter, since he had refused to giveJenkins his name, fearing that I might beg to be excused from seeinghim. But he had taken me unawares and there was no retreat after myfirst exclamation.
"Carlton, have they really dared to commit Ruth to jail?" he asked in avoice that trembled with anger and emotion.
I nodded dumbly, and abruptly he sat down and hid his face in his hands,then as abruptly he rose and fell to pacing the room in an agitatedmanner. Apathetically I watched him. I too had had my siege of walkingthe floor. It was only fair that he should have his turn.
That he was suffering as I had suffered I divined, but it had no effectupon me beyond rousing a dull wonder and perhaps anger, that he shouldlook no older than when I saw him last, six months ago. But, no, I waswrong. He was still the same spare man with a magnificent head ofsnow-white hair above a massive brow and a pair of gray eyes, deep-setand penetrating, but sorrow and pain had left their trace, for so I readthe meaning of the deep lines that had graven themselves around hismobile mouth and sensitive nostrils.
"Has counsel been appointed to defend her?" Mr. Trenton spoke so low andhis voice was so charged with emotion as he sank wearily into my bigchair, that his words made no impression on my brain and he was forcedto repeat them before I could comprehend sufficiently to answer in theaffirmative.
"Mr. Vaughn will arrange for her defense," I added.
"You will be permitted to testify in her behalf?" he inquired.
"No, I'm the chief witness against her," I answered sadly.
"What!" He was absolutely dumbfounded.
"Haven't you read the papers?" I asked him.
He shook his head. "I have been ill for days. To-day the doctor told meI could go out. I overheard my hostess asking her husband if he thoughtit would hurt me to tell me about Ruth. I at once demanded anexplanation and when I had been told that Ruth was in jail charged withthe murder of her husband, I waited to hear no more but took the trainand came straight to you. I naturally supposed--that is, ofcourse--knowing your love for her I assumed you would do your best tofree her by--by taking her side," he said brokenly.
I sighed. Once more the miserable details had to be recounted and then Ilaughed harshly. Mr. Trenton looked at me as though he thought that Imust have taken leave of my senses. For the moment I verily think I had,for the thought came all unbidden that I was another Ancient Marinerrelating my tale to all who crossed my path, only I could not rememberwhat crime I had committed that I should be punished in so terrible amanner.
"Do you suppose it could have been in a former reincarnation?" I askedhim in all seriousness.
"For heaven's sake, man, brace up!" cried Mr. Trenton alarmed. "Youcan't afford to go to pieces now!"
I passed my hand wearily across my brow. "I--I guess I'm pretty nearlyall in," I mumbled, sinking into a chair.
Ruth's father looked across at me compassionately. "Poor boy," he saidgently. "I won't worry you for your story to-night."
"Have you any objections to my remaining here with you?" he continuedpresently, as I preserved an unbroken silence. "I--I can't bear toreturn--to that crime-haunted house," he added with a shudder.
"Certainly. Glad to have you. I'll ring for Jenkins," I murmuredvaguely, trying to rise. But my legs refused to support me and my headfell back heavily against the cushions.
When next I opened my eyes I was in my bed and Jenkins was moving softlyabout the room.
"What time is it, Jenkins?" I asked, sitting up.
"Twelve-thirty, sir," responded Jenkins, pulling aside the curtains tolet in the light of day.
"Have I been asleep all that time?" I inquired aghast.
"You were very tired, sir. You hardly slept the night before," heapologized for me.
"Mr. Trenton is waiting luncheon for you, sir. He wants to know how youare feeling, sir," he continued presently.
The events of the previous evening flocked into my mind, and I felt theblood surge into my cheeks. What a chicken-hearted fellow her fathermust have thought me!
"Tell Mr. Trenton I'll join him in the library in half an hour," I saiddecisively.
"Very well, sir."
It was more than thirty minutes before I made my appearance, but I hadmyself well in hand now and after luncheon, at which we spoke only ofcommon-places, I told him that I was ready to give him the details ofthe case. Immovably he sat with his head bowed upon his hands while Irelated the facts, nor did he int
errupt by word or gesture at any timeduring the recital.
When I had finished he raised his head, and I was startled by the oldand haggard look upon his face. He had aged ten years in as manyminutes.
"The sins of the father," he said, hoarsely. "Carlton, it's all my faultthat Ruth has killed that wretch!"
The Mystery of the Hidden Room Page 11
