Part 5 (2/2)

”I don't believe a word of it. It's false; it's untrue. It's all a blind. I'll see whether there is not justice in the land for an unfortunate widow robbed of her all.”

Then the door was slammed and the front door opened and slammed also.

Harding sat waiting for Eustace to come back to the office. He heard Mrs. Burke's voice sounding shrill outside, but not clear enough for him to distinguish what she was saying. Then the buggy started and drove rapidly away.

A gentle tap came at the door leading to the house, and Mrs. Eustace opened it and looked in.

”Has that dreadful woman gone?” she asked in an agitated voice. ”Is Charlie here?”

Harding rose and went over to her.

”No. He has not come back yet. He is in the dining-room. Shall I tell him you want him?”

”Oh, no, perhaps it will be better to leave him alone till he comes out.

Did you hear what she said? She has been making such a scene in there.

Poor Charlie, as if he had not enough to worry him as it is, without her saying such terrible things.”

Brennan, with Gale and Johnson, appeared at the entrance, and Mrs.

Eustace went back into the house, closing the door after her.

”Mrs. Burke has gone,” Brennan said, as he came over to the counter. ”Is Mr. Eustace in the office?”

”He has not come out of the dining-room yet. Shall I tell him?” Harding replied.

”I'll go through,” Brennan said.

Harding opened the door and stood holding it, with Gale and Johnson behind him, as Brennan went to the dining-room door and knocked.

Receiving no answer, he opened the door.

”There is no one in there,” he called out.

With one accord the three moved forward. Brennan was half-way across the room when they reached the door. He went to the window and looked at the fastening.

”He did not get out this way,” he cried. ”He must be in the house somewhere.”

Mrs. Eustace appeared on the stairs, and came down.

”Where is your husband, Mrs. Eustace?” Brennan exclaimed directly he saw her.

”He was in there--isn't he in there now?” she said, as she pa.s.sed into the room.

”He is not here, Mrs. Eustace, though Mrs. Burke left him here when she came out a few minutes ago. Where is he?”

With widely open eyes Mrs. Eustace stared from one to the other.

”Oh, what is it?” she cried. ”What is it? Tell me--is it----”

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