"I called," he said, "to see if there was anything more I could do for you or for your aunt.I saw Blossom, and he says he is working over the books.I've had a good deal of experience in helping settle up estates that were involved.I mean - " he added hastily - "where no will was left, and, my dear Viola, if I could be of any assistance - ""Thank you," broke in Viola rather coldly, "I don't know that there is anything you can do.It is very kind of you, but Mr.Blossom has charge and - ""Oh, of course I realize that," went on Captain Poland quickly."But Ithought there might be something."
"There is nothing," and now the yachtsman could not help noticing the coldness in Viola's voice.He seemed to nerve himself for an effort as he said:
"Viola" - he paused a moment before adding - "why can't we be friends? You were decent enough to me some days ago, and now - Have I done anything - said anything?I want to be friends with you.I want to be - "He took a step nearer her, but she drew back.
"Please don't think, Captain Poland, that I am not appreciative of what you have done for me," the girl said quickly."But - Oh, I really don't know what to think.It has all been so terrible.""Indeed it has," said the captain, in a low voice."But I would like to help.""Then perhaps you can !" suddenly exclaimed Viola, and there was a new note in her voice."Have you been to see Harry Bartlett in - in jail?" and she faltered over that word.
"No, I have not," said the captain, and there was a sharp tone in his answer."I understood no one was allowed to see him.""That is true enough," agreed Viola."They wouldn't let me see him, and I wanted to - so much.I presume you know how he comes to be in prison.""It isn't exactly a prison."
"To him it is-and to me," she said."But you know how he comes to be there?""Yes.I was present at the inquest.By the way, they are to resume it this week, I heard.The chemists have finished their analyses and are ready to testify.""Oh, I didn't know that."
"Yes.But, speaking of Harry - poor chap - it's terrible, of course, but he may be able to clear himself.""Clear himself, Captain Poland? What do you mean?" and indignant Viola faced her caller.
"Oh, well, I mean - " He seemed in some confusion.
"I want to know something," went on Viola."Did you bring it to theattention of the coroner or the prosecutor that Harry Bartlett saw my father just before-before his death, and quarreled with him? Did you tell that, Captain Poland?"Viola Carwell was like a stem accuser now."Did you?" she demanded again.
"I did," answered Captain Poland, not, however, without an effort."I felt that it was my duty to do so.I merely offered it as a suggestion, however, to one of the prosecutor's detectives.I didn't think it would lead to anything.I happened to hear your father and Harry having some words-about what I couldn't catch-and I thought it no more than right that all the facts should be brought out in court.I made no secret about it.I did not send word anonymously to the coroner, as I might have done.He knew the source of the information, and he could have called me to the stand had he so desired.""Would you have told the same story on the stand?" "I would.It was the truth.""Even if it sent him - sent Harry to jail?""I would - yes.I felt it was my duty, and - " "Oh-duty!"Viola made a gesture of impatience.
"So-you-you told, Captain Poland! That is enough! Please don't try to see me again.""Viola!" he pleaded."Please listen - "
"I mean it!" she said, sternly."Go! I never want to see you again! Oh, to do such a thing!"The captain, nonpiussed for a moment, lingered, as though to appeal from the decision.Then, without a word, he turned sharply on his heel and left the room.
Viola sank on a sofa, and gave way to her emotion.
"It can't be true! It can't!" she sobbed."I won't believe it.It must not be true! Oh, how can I prove otherwise? But I will! I must! Harry never did that horrible thing, and I will prove it!
"Why should Captain Poland try to throw suspicion on him? It isn't right.He had no need to tell the detective that! I must see ColonelAshley at once and tell him what I think.Oh, Captain Poland, if I - "Viola twisted in her slender hands a sofa cushion, and then threw it violently from her.
"I'll see Colonel Ashley at once!" she decided.
Inquiry of a maid disclosed the fact that the colonel was still fishing, and from Patrick, the gardener, she learned that he had gone to try his luck at a spot in the river at the end of the golf course where Patrick himself had hooked more than one fish.
"I'll follow him there," said Viola."I suppose he won't want to be interrupted while he's fishing, but I can't help it! I must talk to some one- tell somebody what I think."
She donned a walking skirt and stout shoes, for the way to the river was rough, and set out.On the way she thought of many things, and chiefly of the man pacing his lonely walk back and forth behind windows that had steel bars on them.
Viola became aware of some one walking toward her as she neared the bend of the river whither Patrick had directed her, and a second glance told her it was the faithful Shag.
He bowed with a funny little jerk and took off his cap.
"Is the colonel there?" and she indicated what seemed to be an ideal fishing place among the willows.
"He was, Miss Viola, but he done gone now.""Gone?Where?Do you mean back to the house?" "No'm.He done gone t' N'York.""New York?"
"Yes'm.On de afternoon train.He say he may be back t'night, an' mebby not `twell mornin'.""But New York-and so suddenly!Why did he go, Shag?""I don't know all de `ticklers, Miss Viola, but I heah him say he got t' git a book on poisons.""A book on poisons?" and Viola started.
"Yes'm.He done want one fo' de case he's wukin' on, an' he can't git none at de library, so he go to N'York after one.I'se bringin' back his tackle.De fish didn't bite nohow, so he went away, de colonel did.""Oh!"
Viola stood irresolute a moment, and then turned back toward the house, Shag walking beside her.
