The Heart Helper
Never during her association with Wise, had Zizi wanted him so much as
she did at present. The situation, she felt, was too big for her to
handle, and the contradictory conclusions forced upon her bewildered
her.
Public interest in the Blair murder had waned, or at least it was
waiting for the trial of McClellan Thorpe, and while the police were
ready to listen to any new evidence or theories, none seemed to be
forthcoming.
Julie was in despair, feeling that the great Pennington Wise was making
no headway in his endeavors to free Thorpe, and Benjamin Crane too was
beginning to doubt Wise's ability.
Zizi, therefore, felt the brunt of upholding her colleague's reputation
for cleverness and success, and now that things were getting so
complicated, and Penny Wise so far away, the girl felt her
responsibility almost greater than she could bear.
But, she concluded, after deep thought, the first and most important
thing to be done was to locate that John Harrison.
From Benjamin Crane she obtained the address of young Douglas, the
reporter, and went to see him.
Douglas was greatly pleased with the appearance and manner of his
visitor, for Zizi was at her sparkling best, and that was very good
indeed.
"You see, Mr. Douglas," she confided with a captivating smile, "I'm a
Heart Helper."
"A what?"
"Yes. I help people's hearts,--people who are sad or in trouble. Now,
I'm working in the interests of a dear friend, a lovely girl, whose
sweetheart is being most unjustly treated, and only I can set things
straight. Think of that!"
The great dark eyes flashed an appealing glance at him, and Zizi's red
mouth took a sorrowful droop at the corners.
Instinctively he yearned to bring back the smile and he said, promptly,
"Can I help you? Is that why you come to me?"
"Exactly," and Zizi beamed at him, quite completing his undoing.
"And what I want," she went on quickly, lest she lose her
suddenly-acquired power over him, "is only the address of Mr. John
Harrison."
Douglas's face fell, and he plainly showed his embarrassment and
chagrin.
"That I can't tell you," he began,--but paused at the look of despair
that came to Zizi's expressive face.
"Oh, please," she begged. "It's so necessary,--so important. I won't
make any wrong use of the information. Please tell me."
"But I can't, Miss Zizi. You see, Mr.--Harrison isn't where he was.
He--he isn't anywhere."
Clearly, Douglas thought, he was making a mess of things. But what could
he say?
"Are you making game of me?" Zizi's tone was wistful, and with her head
cocked to one side like an alert bird, she waited breathlessly for his
answer.
"No, not a bit of it!"
"But--you say--he isn't anywhere! What do you mean?"
Still under the spell of her smile, her fascinating manner, and her
sweet, piquant little face, Douglas hesitated,--and was lost.
"Well, you see, he,--he was somebody else. I mean he isn't,--that is, he
isn't himself."
"Are you sure you are?" Zizi laughed outright, so infectiously, that
Douglas joined in.
"No, I'm not!" he admitted. "Now, if you're not, either, we're all in
the same boat."
But Zizi was not to be put off with foolery.
"Mr. Douglas," she said, seriously, "truly, I'm on an important errand,
and one involving grave consequences. You can help greatly by giving me
that man's address, and help not only the girl of whom I spoke, but help
the cause of right and justice, even, perhaps, in a matter of life and
death. Don't refuse----"
"But if I don't refuse, I must at least inquire. And, suppose I tell you
that Mr. Harrison does not want his address known?"
"I assumed that. But, suppose I tell you that it may help to clear up
one of the greatest mysteries of the day if you will just give me a hint
where I can find that man. And, even though he has forbidden you to
tell, I think I can assure you that he won't mind my knowing the secret,
and if he does mind I'll persuade him to exonerate you."
Zizi had meant to take quite a different tack,--use hints of legal
authority or suggest his duty to humanity, but intuition told her that
this man was best persuaded by coaxing,--and Zizi could coax!
She succeeded only partly. After she convinced Douglas of the wisdom of
such a course he told her that John Harrison had been at the Hotel
Consul in Brooklyn, but had left there, and had left no further address.
Moreover, he declared he had no knowledge whatever of the whereabouts of
John Harrison at the present time.
"No!" and Zizi flashed a quizzical smile, "because he has changed his
name! I know that from your emphatic declaration! But I'll find him.
Good-by."
Zizi betook herself forthwith to the Hotel Consul.
A polite clerk informed her that Mr. Harrison had checked out, leaving
no address.
Determinedly she interviewed the cab drivers ranked in front of the
hotel, and by a lucky chance found the one who had driven Mr. Harrison
away. A proper bribe brought the knowledge that he had been driven to
the Wilfer, a much smaller hotel nearby.
To the Hotel Wilfer Zizi went, and learned there was no John Harrison
there, but a very few inquiries proved to her astute intellect that the
Louis Bartram, who was the only guest registered at that time on that
afternoon, was in all probability the man she sought. At any rate there
was no harm in trying.
She asked for an interview, and was connected with Mr. Bartram's rooms
by telephone.
"I want to see you again," she said, in response to his Hello,--"Let me
come up, Mr. Midnight Visitor, please."
Partly the pleading voice, partly the fact that Peter was eager for new
developments in his devious course, and partly a sudden recollection of
the girl he had seen in his father's library, brought about a cordial
invitation to "come along."
And Zizi exultantly went, hoping against hope that she was on her way to
learn something of real importance.
For so many hopeful openings had proved blind alleys, so many bright
prospects of success had dimmed on nearer view, that Zizi had begun to
lose heart, and this seemed to her perhaps a last chance.
Peter received her in his sitting room, and as the big dark eyes looked
deep into the chicory blue ones, and both smiled, it was impossible to
be formal.
"Why are you a burglar, Mr. Bartram," Zizi said, as she seated herself
sociably in the depths of a big armchair. "You don't look the part a
bit."
"What is _your_ calling?" he countered; "for unless it is that of a
witch or Brownie, I'm sure _you_ don't look it."
"I am all of those things," she announced, calmly, crossing her dainty
feet and gazing guilelessly at him. "I'm a witch, a Brownie, a sprite,
an elf, a kobold, a pixie----"
"That's enough. They're all tarred with the same brush. And why am I
favored with this angel visit?"
"So you may answer my question, which you so rudely ignored. Why are you
a burglar?"
"But I'm not. Can your ingenuity suggest no explanation of a man's
presence in another man's house at midnight save a burglarious motive? I
took no jewels nor plate away with me."
"So you didn't. But, I admit motives seem scarce. You were not intending
a social call, were you? You didn't come to read the meter or repair the
plumbing? You were not seeking a lodging for the night?"
"None of those, Miss Brownie. But, why am I obliged to tell?"
"Because I ask it," and Zizi's pretty powers of coaxing were put to the
utmost test.
"I admit that constitutes an obligation, but, I am not going to meet
it," and the big man settled back comfortably in his chair and smiled
benignly but a trifle exasperatingly.
"Then,--" and the little brown face became serious, the merry light went
out of the dark eyes, and Zizi said, coldly, "Then I will tell you. You
are a burglar,--you did take valuables from Mr. Crane's house,--at least
they were valuable to you, though perhaps of small intrinsic worth."
"Whatever _do_ you mean?"
"I mean that you are the accomplice of that woman who calls herself a
medium,--that woman who is a fraud, a fake, a miserable charlatan! You
came to the house to get some more belongings of Mr. Crane's dead
son's,--in order to take them to the Parlato woman and let her trade
further on an old man's credulity! That's what you were there for!"
Zizi's nerves were at high tension. She thoroughly believed every word
she said, and she felt that perhaps the best way to make this man own up
was to put the case thus straightforwardly.
Peter Boots looked at her, his expression changing from amazement to
amusement and then to sympathy.
"No," he said gently, "I didn't do that. I swear I didn't."
"Then why were you there?"
Uncertain what to say, Peter just sat and looked at her.
And somehow,--by some subtle intelligence or telepathic flash--all of a
sudden,--Zizi knew!
"Oh," she breathed, her eyes like stars, "oh,--you're Peter Boots!"
Slowly, Peter nodded his head.
"Yes," he said, "I am. Now, what are we going to do about it?"
"Do about it? Why, everything! Oh,--wait a minute,--let me take it
in,--let me think what it will mean----"
"To father? Yes, I know."
These two, so lately strangers, were immediately at one. Zizi, with her
instantaneous understanding and quick appreciation saw the whole
situation at once, and realized fully its tragedy.
"It can't be, you know," she cried out; "it mustn't be! Think of
the----"
"I know," returned Peter, "I've thought."
Instead of being appalled at the knowledge that his secret was out,
Peter felt a positive relief, a sudden let-down of his strained nerves,
and a queer sensation of confidence in this strange girl's powers to set
things right.
Peter's intuitions were quick and true; Zizi was not only charming, but
gave an effect of capability and efficiency that were as balm and
comfort to poor, harassed Peter.
He was willing to nail his colors to her mast; to give his affairs and
perplexities into her hands; to abide by her decisions.
And Zizi accepted the tremendous responsibility gravely.
"But it is all too wonderful," she said. "What happened? Where have you
been?"
"Two broken legs,--compound fractures,--frozen
feet,--gangrene--ugh!--fierce--cut it out!"
"The gangrene!" cried Zizi, horrified.
"Yes, but I didn't mean that. I meant can the description of my
sufferings! They'd put the early Christian martyrs to the blush. They
would indeed! But let's take up the tale from the present moment."
"Oh, wait a minute,--do! Who rescued you? Why haven't you----"
"Lumbermen,--camp, miles from any sort of a lemon. Couldn't get into
communication. Fiercest winter ever known,--everything cut off from
everything else. Came home the minute I could,--and,--oh, thunder! how I
want to know things! Tell me heaps, do! And who are you, anyway?"
"Heavens, what a tale! Yes, I'll tell you everything, but what shall I
fly at first? And--oh, I can't stand the responsibility of your secret!
I can't! Why are you keeping it secret? On account of your father?"
"Yes, that's the sole reason. How can I come forward,--the son who is
supposed dead,--who is supposed to come back as a spook,--the son who
has had a book written about him----"
"Oh, what a situation! And your father so wrapped up in the whole
business,--so positive in his beliefs----"
"And that rascally medium!"
"And those wicked materializations!"
"And the fool Ouija Board!"
"And that letter from you to Julie--oh, I say!"
"And _I_ say! But, tell me, what can I do? Do you see it as I do? That I
must go away again, disappear forever,--or----"
"Or break your father's heart,-- I mean,--oh, I don't know what I mean!
Mr. Peter, I think I'll lose my mind!"
"I've almost lost mine, puzzling over the thing. But I've put the kibosh
on that Parlato!"
"Oh, that's why you were there! I got things all wrong, didn't I? And
you came to your own home----"
"Only because of a terrible attack of homesickness. You see, I still
have my latch key, and if you hadn't seen me, I should have merely had a
good look around, and then silently steal away, without, however,
stealing anything else!"
Zizi smiled at her accusation of his burglarious intent, and then sat
musing.
"I can't grapple with it," she said, at last. "It's too big. I shall
telegraph for Mr. Wise. He must come back at once and help us."
"Now, look here, Miss Zizi, I'm not lying down on this job myself. I'm
not asking you to carry my burdens or fight my battles. I am very much
able to hoe my own row,--only I fear it's going to be a hard one. I'm
going to depend on you for help, if I may, but I'll take the helm; Peter
Boots leads, he doesn't follow."
Zizi gazed at him, her eyes moist with emotional admiration. This man,
this splendid, fine man,--to efface himself to save his father's
reputation,--it was too bad! She couldn't stand it.
"Now, wait," she began; "wouldn't your father,--your mother,--rather
have you back with them in the flesh,--than to have their pride spared?"
"Answer that yourself," he returned. "I admit that if that question were
put to them, they would doubtless say yes. But that's not the thing. The
point is, they're reconciled to my loss, happy in the experiences
they're having,--delusions though they are,--and contented, even
exultant, in things as they are. Why disturb that happiness, for my
selfish reasons? Why not leave them to their Fools' Paradise,--for
that's what it is,--and not take the chance of what might easily be a
distressing disillusion?"
"It would indeed be that," Zizi spoke gravely; "I know it would. But
what will you do?"
"Go 'way off somewhere,--start fresh,--make a new name and fame for
myself and forget----"
"Sacrifice your own identity to your father's reputation?"
"Exactly that,--and, simply, it is my duty."
"And Carlotta Harper?"
Peter jumped.
"Tell me about Carly," he said, speaking thickly. "Is she engaged to
Shelby?"
"No, she isn't!"
"I heard she was."
"Probably he hinted it, and the report started. He's eternally after
her, but, to my certain knowledge she hasn't yet said yes."
"Oh, my God! Dear little Carly! What can I do?"
"She would go with you,--into a new life----"
"No; don't be absurd! This secret must be kept inviolably. Nor could I
marry her under an assumed name, even if she were willing. Also, she may
have forgotten me."
"No, she has not. Oh, Mr. Peter, you must come home."
"I can't. But tell me more,--tell me of mother, of Julie,--why, I sent a
reporter to the house just to get a line on home life,--on present
conditions,--oh, little girl, you don't know what I suffered; it's all
so foolish,--so absurd,--the spook stuff, I mean,--yet, as I've learned,
it's the very breath of life to my Dad."
"It is; but, look at the thing from another angle. Couldn't you help
unravel the Blair mystery. Here's Mr. Thorpe held for a crime I don't
think he committed; here's Julie crying her eyes out because of it----"
"Julie! She and Thorpe!"
"Yes, didn't you know that?"
"No; are they engaged?"
"In a way. If Thorpe should be freed Mr. Crane will give his consent. If
Thorpe is convicted----"
"He shan't be convicted! He never killed Blair! I'll find out who killed
Blair, and then I'll go away after that. I'll help Julie,--why, Thorpe
wouldn't kill Gilbert, why should he?"
"You've read the case?"
"Yes, and thought how little evidence there was against Thorpe. But, I'm
ashamed to say, my own affairs rather blotted the matter out. But if
Julie's concerned, that's another matter. I'll free Thorpe,--and I can
do it, too!"
"Then it's most certainly your duty, for many reasons. Look here, Mr.
Peter, don't let your ideas of duty get over-sentimental regarding your
father."
"Oh, I don't!" Peter waxed impatient. "But I've mulled over the thing to
the very end, and I know, I _know_ father would be happier left to his
delusions. Yes, and mother, too. You see, I've read the book, and
knowing Dad as I do, I read between the lines, and I see how it would be
like stabbing his heart and draining his life blood to stultify that
book. No, Zizi, don't tempt me,--indeed, you can't."
"Well, then, come back to the murder case. Have you any suspect other
than Thorpe?"
"Why, sometimes, I think I have. But it's a serious thing to accuse,
without evidence. Now, I think I can get evidence, but mainly from
Madame Parlato. You see, she has been bribed by a powerful
influence,--she is absolutely under orders from some one, and it is
because of that she is so frightened for fear of exposure. I think in
the ordinary _seance_ with my father, where my spirit--ugh!--appears and
talks guff and rubbish, the medium is more fool than knave. But when the
spirit gives information concerning the murderer,--and wrong
information,--it's criminal work itself, and ought to be shown up."
"Showing up the medium would expose the falsity of your father's book,
even without your reappearance."
"I've thought of that, but there's duty there, too. If I can free Mac
Thorpe from unjust accusations, and incidentally, I'm thinking of
Julie,--it's in all ways my duty to do so,--even if----"
"Even if it makes your father a butt for ridicule."
"Yes, even that. All things are matters of comparison. Thorpe's life, or
even Thorpe's name mustn't be sacrificed to father's feelings. I may
sacrifice my own future, even my own life if I choose, but not that of
another."
"Are you sure Mr. Thorpe is innocent?"
"As sure as shooting! But you must tell me all the details of your
investigations. I've studied the newspaper reports, but I want your
accounts, too. When can you get Wise back here? Send for him at once,
will you? He can't get anything on Blair out there. Blair's life was
blameless. I know it as I know my own. Why, Zizi, you don't realize,--
I've lived with my family and my friends for a whole long lot of years.
I'm no newcomer, except regarding the last six months. You can't tell me
of Blair's character, or Thorpe's either. Now, what I want to puzzle out
is whether I can do my part in producing the real murderer, without
revealing my presence here and without even showing my hand in the
matter."
"You might appear as your own spook."
"I've thought of that, and it offers wide possibilities. But it isn't
fair to mother and Dad. Let the medium fool them, if she will, it's not
for their own son to fool them, too! No, I can't do that."
"You might appear to the--the criminal."
"And give him the scare of his life! Yes, I might do that. But I'm not
yet sure he is the criminal,--I'm basing my suspicion on generalities,
not any specific evidence."
"Tell me his name."
"Not yet. Let's plan a little first. You see, I've arranged a fake
_seance_ with Madame Parlato. If I rearrange it a bit, it may serve our
purpose. I'll postpone it until Mr. Wise can get back, and then we'll
see what we shall see!"