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18
PICTURE-PLAY WEEKLY
'Sallie," he cried, "I told you that it was all a mistake."
arrived. They were both quiet. They had agreed to say nothing as yet to the colonel.
The morning was half spent when, with a loud clatter of hoofs, Allen rode up to the Taliaferro residence.
"Well?" greeted the colonel. "Any news, Allen, regarding the murder?"
"Not much," growled the other. "The sheriff thinks he has a clew, and" — he lowered his voice — "if I were you, colonel, I'd keep my eye on that new groom of yours !"
"What do you mean, sir?" asked the colonel, rising.
"Oh, nothing at all, only he and Sallie are going out pretty much together lately, aren't they?"
"Yes, but he is above reproach, sir. I like the boy."
There was a disagreeable twang in Allen's laugh.
"You know nothing of his past, do you?" he demanded.
The colonel pondered thoughtfully, looking from under his shaggy brows at Allen.
"That's true, Allen."
"Come in here, where we can speak privately, then."
They stepped into the drawing-room. Curled up in the big chair, Sallie was looking out at the stables, where Harry was making ready for their morning ride.
On her ear broke the voices.
"Well," said Allen, his smooth voice coming plainly to her. "My impression is that this Copeland is the man who murdered Thompson. In fact, there was a detective up at the sheriff's office yesterday afternoon with a photograph of this same man, saying that he was looking for him. The sheriff and the detective resolved to fix the crime, while a crazy Englishman who was there protested continually — but they wouldn't listen to him. I always thought there was something mighty queer about
Copeland's past. In fact, colonel, the sheriff is coming down here to-day, and is going to arrest Harry Copeland as the murderer. He was not here when the act occurred, was he?"
From her vantage point in the chair, Sallie heard the condemning accusation, with fear in her eyes.
"Harry Copeland a murderer?" she whispered fearfully.
"No," came her father's voice. "And Sallie was not out with him that day, either. Gad. Allen. I believe you are right ! Go out and engage him in conversation ; we must keep him here until the sheriff arrives. And to think I sheltered him under my very roof !"
They moved off.
Instantly Sallie sprang into action. Harry was waiting for her now in front. She dashed out the door, and motioned him to approach. He did, with question in his eyes.
"Quick !" she whispered. "Follow me !"