Page:The traitor; a story of the fall of the invisible empire (IA traitorstoryoffa00dixo).pdf/316



HE arrest of John Graham precipitated a crisis between Ackerman and Susie Wilson which was as unexpected as it was embarrassing to the handsome young detective.

From the moment she had seen his letter on Stella's bed she had watched the young Northerner with the keenest suspicions.

The following day he pressed his love with straightforward earnestness.

She answered with an evasive smile.

"I appreciate the honour you pay me, Mr. Ackerman, but I'm not in love with you. I hope we shall always be friends. If your love endures it may win mine in the end—if you persist."

"I have your permission to persist?"

"Certainly," she answered frankly. "I love to be loved."

"All right," he said with a boyish laugh. "I'm going to build my house in the fall."

On the day following John Graham's arrest she saw Ackerman emerge from the hotel in earnest consultation with the Attorney General. To her