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Page 69
"Why, yes, I know him fairly well."
"He had some business dealings with your father."
"Yes, he owed my father money on several mortgages."
"Did they have any other business relations?"
"I think Mr. Styles had some interest in one of my father's
patents--or, at least he claimed an interest. He and my father had
some differences of opinion in the matter."
"Was the patent matter settled up?"
"I do not know, but I do not think so."
"Can you tell me anything else about Mr. Styles?"
The girl hesitated and then a flush mounted to her face. "Yes, I can.
I--I did not wish to speak of it before, yet I see no harm in doing so.
About four months ago Mr. Styles asked me to marry him. I told him I
could not do so. He was very persistent and said he had more money
than I imagined. I told him that that would make no difference, that I
did not love him and did not wish him to mention the matter again."
"How did he take your refusal?"
"He was very bitter and overbearing. He said I had better think it
over, and he hinted something about having my father in his power. He
did not say it in just so many words but he hinted at it."
"Did he mean about the patent?"
"No, I think it was something else. But I did not pay much attention,
for I thought he was talking merely to get me to consider his suit, and
I did not wish to consider it, for I had become acquainted with
Raymond."
"Did he ever bother you after that?"
"Only once, when I met him on the road. Then he asked me again, and
said I'd be sorry some day if I refused him."
"Humph!" Adam Adams mused for a moment. "Now to change the subject.
When did Matlock Styles last call on your father?"
"He called several times last week. I don't know exactly when he
called last. But I do know that my father was greatly excited over
something, and that he called in my stepmother and she was excited,
too. I was not told what it was about."
"Well, to drop him, do you know a man named John Watkins, of Bryport?"
"Watkins? Yes, I do. He once called on my father, about the same time
that Mr. Styles called last."
"Do you know why he called?"
"I do not. I thought it was about a patent. I learned that Mr.
Watkins worked for the United States government and I thought it was
for the patent office."
"Then that is all, Miss Langmore." The detective arose and held out
his hand. "Now take good care of yourself and do not worry. Matters
are bound to come out right in the end."
"But how can they be better for me?" Margaret's face took on its
worried look again. "They have proved that I am guilty."
"You are not guilty," said Adam Adams firmly and looking her squarely
in the eyes. "You are not guilty. I say so, and I know. Do not
worry. Rest quietly, and soon everything shall be made plain to you."
And then before she could answer he was gone. She sank back among the
pillows, closed her eyes and heaved a sigh.
"It cannot be!" she murmured. "It is too late! I am guilty! I am
guilty!"
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