The evening world. Newspaper, September 27, 1915, Page 13

4 Stowmarket Mystery | A New Type of Detective Story by the Author o “ The Wings of the Morning by Louis Tracy cestedied Boden Bde de es ee FF hee Oe ey WAPTER I. A Stronge Crime, Preset, ob bie seoond trial, wae ecquitted ty a) of murdering be cousin, Br Alas Mume-Prager, THE PIRATES MORGAN ee ee Br! Witbout ony eepeete: MEN Derd He Jury of tie pe Os probably Be mor W gpl od fees yous Ht Tow koow weil - a — whe #1) beleved him gulity ioe Wal be mort me on ¥ thet wal sutton! < ae BOLD ie police circke ae “The Mtowmarbet Reel SAG COU Cul Quarrel Purpose cas be gamed by tisnters.” wr aentavee Gls 0 on om on a 6 genliomen, tut Mae © hived 88 \uauiTy Closed oF the law, GEPOrSHIt oul) the successive burenee of the Mume-Preser cian had met me wr onane tk ie ee Vielen | ce. POR Heli, Weel, And Kh wae on Un hag been found alain Aiee bad gone (hat evening to « Beetham, bis av There he bad quarreiied with bie cousin Levid ne, one of Chew on the own ouvmde the famuy mansion, Herod 7 opel on the (het Or Ame Veare Bre ball, given by Mre ~pre: eumatiy over tie ioe! vicars deurbier, Helen Layion, Ww whom David wae engeerd. The couse of ibe quarrel was net sotualy anow avid bimeet Se prefensed to ve ignorant of bis cousin's reason for Bying ine & mae ded the reat of the Neuse party to the Hail aad had eat down in the lw ny the fire to » order to Accordng to ows story, Lavid'’had falien aa.cep the |) He bad dreamed ne saw comtume killed in Ue window ened by the him that Alan fo op the lawn, wilh & Japanese a belriovm—drives \urough ite heart. 1 ‘David after his sequittal, lett Bn lund, The bail came inio the por. stosion of Alans sister, Margaret, aud 4, B.gnor Capesin, ‘eughue imonihe, after lant, David came back to kngiand, reseived his tw @lear his dame and to take rightful piace in the world. Helen Layton, who move was to £ to with David an oak vi David went straight to Keginaid Brett, the famed “barrister-deiective,” the case in Brett's avle The barriavor-de uve was the more willing (o accept the task only because he was convineed of David's innocence, but boca hs ular enemy, inspector Winter of Jand Yard, bad from the frst been certain David was guilty. Win ter had worked on the murder case, and, in Brett's opinion, had worked pidly. Bret's fret Beevocroft Hall over the scene of the crime, was the more eager to do this he might thus get a glimyse of Helen, who lived at the vicarage nearby, ‘An they entered the Hall they met Capeia, the dapper Uttie Ttian whom Margaret had married. * inanifestly displeased (o see them, Telling them that Margaret was two ill to see visitors, he requested them to leave, They were about to do #0 when Margret, looking pale and hag- gard, entered the drawing room. She was unfelgnedly glud to see David. And she sharply rebuked Ca- pella for the message he hud given. ‘The [tatian, in anger, lett the room and the Hall Margaret turned to David with real affection in her big eyes. “I am 1,” sho sald. “It is my heart. It's troublesome.” She passed out, leaving them. “That scoundrel killed Alan, and now he wants to kill his own wife!” wwied Hume, when they were alone, “We will return later in the day,” said Brett, with no comment on David's fierce words, “Let us go at once and cal! on Mrs. Eastham.” “Mrs, Bastham! Why?" “Because | want to see Miss Helen Layton, The old lady can send for her.” Hume needed no urging. He could not walk fast enough. They had gone a hundred yards from the house when t suddenly stopped and checked Behind the yew trees on the left, and rendered Invisible by @ #! ue hedge, @ man was running—rupuin at top speed, with the laboring breath one unaccustomed to the exercise, barrister sprang over the strip turf, among the trees, and plunged into the hedge regardless of thorns. He came back Instantly, “There iv a footpath across the park, leading toward the lodge gates. Where does It come out?” he asked, apeaking rapidly in a low tone, “[t enters (he road near the ave~ ‘ue, close to the gates, It leads trom a farmhouse.” “A lady is walking through the park towards the lodge, Capella ia run- ning to intercept her, Come! We may hear somethin, Brett set off at a rapid pace along the turf. Hume followed, and soon they were near the lodge. Mra. Crowe, the lodgekeeper, saw them, and came out, “Bto) gasped Brett. he set foot in Englond f he} 6 Hume signalled the woman not to bow yuu beve sliained jt.) © been, pieane | allow me bo wet over the atue. 1 will be late for juneheon.” | wiln me, Neitie,” said | pele, in agohised acoents. conaumed with love of you. iain, “how can you be to use such laayuage to To love youl” “Again | oay it—base and unmaniy. What have 1 done that you should venture to so Insult your charming | wife, not to speak of the inault to! myself? When you so far forgot) yourself @ fortnight ago as to bint! at your Outrageous ideas regerding | me, b forced myself to ramemocr Uh you Were pot an wilh onan, in your country (here may lal code which pert at a © pasat © pase, 1 tel) you, or twill strike in his admiration for thi xirl who, notwithstanding her tations, seemed to be anything def tuomentarily forgot bis companion, A convulsive tightening of Hume's Muscles, preparatory to a leap through the hedge, warned him in tme. whispered, am diot!" he he clutched him again. Were noi there so taken up with the throbbing influences of tho moment they must have heard t rustling of the eaves. But they patd little heed to external affairs. The Italian was speaking. Nellie,” he said, “you will drive me mad, But listen, carissima, If 1 may not love you, T can at least defend you, David Hume-Frazer, the man who murdered my wife's brother, has returned, and openly boasts that you are waiting to marry him.” “Mr. Capella, | realy think you are what English people call ‘cracked,’ ” “But you believe me—that this man has come to Beechcroft?" “It may be 90, Lie hae good re for keeping bis prea- ence bere a secret. Whatever they pais, Poort I shall svon know ther “Helen, he ils not worthy of you. Ho cannot give you @ love fierce as mine. Nay, 1 will not be repelied. Hear me My wife ts dying. 1 will be free in o few months, Bid me to hope. I will not trouble you. 1 will go away, vut T swear, if you marry rager, oolther he nor you will long enjoy your bap- piness!”” The girl made no reply, but sprang towards the stile in sheer desperation, Capella strove to tase ber in bus arms, not indeed with intent (o offer her any violence; but she met his lover- like ardour with such a vigorous but- L that be lost his temper, He caught ber, Bhe had almost surmounted the stile, but ber dress hampered her movements, The Italian, vowing bis passion in ap ardent Gow Wards, endeavoured to kiss her, Thea, with a have preferred . sigh, for he would to avoid an open rupture, Brett let go bis hold on Hume. Indeed, if he had aot done so, there must have been @ fight on both sides of the bedae. He turned away to Itght a cigarette, What folluwed immediately had no professional interem for him, But he could pot help boariug Helen's shriek of delighted surprii and certain other sounds whi noted that Giovanni Capella w ing used as a football by bis néar i relative by marriage, Mrs. Crewe vame vut of her cottage. “What's a-goln’ on air?” she inquired anxiously, “A great event.” he said, “Faust is kicking Mephistopheles,” “Drat them colts!" she cried, ad- ding, after taking thought; “put we haven't any horses of them names, ir No! You surprise me, They are the gate, She watched them of the best Itallan pedigree.” wath opensmouthed curivaity. The Meanwhile, he was achieving his barrister slowed down and quietly object, which was to drive Mra, Crowo made his way to the leufy angle where the avenue hedge joined that which shut off the park from the road, ‘He held up a warning hand, Hume atepped warily behind him, and both men lovked through @ portion of the Sedge where brinrs were supplanted by hazel busnex. Capella was standing panting near a sule, A girl, Sawessed in mualin, und wearing & large straw hat, was approaching. 7 “Great Heavens! claimed Hume, Mireut grasped his shoulder, “Restrain yourself,” he whispered earnestiy. “Luckily, Capella has not heard you. IJ regret the necessity which makes us eavesdroppers, but It at, all Loe same. It is Helen!" ex- orcunale ace! Not Wiword!, Remember what 1s at stake.” . They could not see the Italian's face. His back was heaving from the violence of his exertion, Miss Layton was walking rapidly toward the stile, Obviously she had per- relved (he waiting man, and she tas leased. ye pretty face, flushed and sun- burnt, wore the strained aspect of a woman annoys but trying to be civil. It was she who took the In tive. “Good day, Mr. Capella,” 8) aid ay pleasantly, “Why on early did you Fun so fast “Because | wished to be here before ou, Miss Layton,” replied the man, Is voice tremulous wth excitement “Then T wish T had known, because Teould have beaten you easily if you jt to race me. S "that Was not my object,’ back toward the wicket, Helen's voice cane to them ehrilly: “That will do, Davie! Do you hear me?" “Why, bless my ‘eart, there's Miss Layton,” said Mra. Crowe, The barrister joined the young couple, who now appeared fm the roadway. A hamard, dishevelled, and furious man burst through the avenue and ran across the drive. "Mrs. Crowe,” he aimost screamed, u see those two men there?” 'Yos, si The good woman was startled by her master’s sudden appearance and his excited state. “They are never to be admitted to the grounds again, Do you under- stand?’ 8, oir.” Capella turned to rush away up the avenue, but he was compelled to inp, Mis Crows watched lin wonderingly, and tried to p! to- gether in her mind the queer sounds and occurrences of the last two minutes, She had not long been tn the cot- tage when the butler arrived, “You let two gentiomen tn a while ago?" he sald. "1 did “One was Mr, Mr. Brett?” “Oh, was that tho tall gentleman's name?" David and the other a xpect ao, Well, here's the mis- sus's written order that whenever they want to come to the ‘ouse or go anywheres in the park it's O, K." Mra, Crowe was wise enough to keep her own counsel, but when the butler retired, she said: in the park, P parn mr! UL BET THIS Beo is BewircHed — “Then I'll obey the missus, an’ master can settie 1. with her.” CHAPTER I. An Old Acquaintance. HEN Helen ha} left them the barrister and David went ou to Mre, Eastham’'s, The old lady walcomed David with delight, Brett told of his hopes to vindicate the younger man. “L hope and believe you will suc- coed,” said Mrs, Bastham impulsively, “Providence has guided your steps here at this hour, You cannot im- agine how miserable that man Capella makes me." “Why?” cried Hume, darting a look of surprise at Brett, “Because he is simply pestering Nellie Layton with his attentions. There! [ must speak plainly, He has wone to extroimes that can no longer be misinterpreted. in our einall community, Mr, Brett,” she ex- pained, “though we dearly leve a Uttle gossip, we are slow to buileve that «ae married to such a charm- ‘ somewhat unconventional azer— pella~—would deliberately neg~ tral inquired Brett, for Hume was furious to speak. * “Por some months, but it is only a fortnight ago, since Helen first com- jained of it to me, I promptly told or. Capella that | could pot receive him again at my house, He discov ered that Nellie came bere a good deal, and managed to call about the game time as she did, Then he found that she was Interested In Jupanese art, and as he is really clever in that respect’ “Clever,” interrupted the barrister. “Do you mean that he understands lacquer work, Satsuma ware, paint- ing or inlaying? Ls he a connoisseur or a student?” “It's all Greek to me!” exclatmed the old lady, “but unquestionably the bits of china and queer carvings he often brought here were very beautl- ‘ellie did not e him person- she could not deny his and enthusiasm, Mar- Faret, too, used to Invite her to the Hall, for Miss Layton has great taste 4s an amateur gardener, Mr. Brett But this friendship suddenly ceased. Mr, Capella became very strange and gloomy in his manner, At laat Nellie told me that the wretched man had dared to utter words of love to her, hinting that his wife could not live jong, and that_he would come tn for her fortune, Now, as my poor girl has been the most faithful soul that ever lived, never for an_ instant doubting that seme dav the cloud would Ift from Davie, you may im- aging what a shock this was to her.” “Mrs, Eastham,” eaid Brett, sud- donly switching the conversation away from the Itallan's fantasy, “you are well acquainted with all the cir- custances connected with Sir Alan's murder, Have you formed any th ory about the orlme, its motive or tts possible author?” “God forgive me if I do any man ag injury, but tn these last few days T have had my suspicions," ahe ex- claimed, “Tell me your reasons,” “It arose out of a chance remark GET In THERE. ‘You PESKY THING | —— by Nellie. Bhe was discussing with me her inexplicable an.ipathy to Mr. Capella, even during the time when they wore outwurdiy good friends. She said that once he showed her a Japanese sword, a most wonderful Piece of workma: nip, with veins of Bilver and guid nto the haadle and part of the blade, To the upper pare of the scabbard was attached @ nife—a small dagger—similar” “Yes, | understand. Ano implement Uke that used to kill Sir Alan Hume- Fraser,” “Exactly, Nellie at first bardly realized its significance, Then she hastily told Capella to take It away, but not before she noticed that he seemed to understand the dreadful think. It 1s fastened in eath by a hidden spring, and he knew exactly how to open it. Any persons not ac- customed to such weapons would en- deavor to pull it out by pais foro) . Brett did not press Mrs, Bast! to pursue her theory, Lt was piain that she regarded the [talian as @ man who might concelyably be t murderer y ey Was enough for feminine logic. Hume, too, shared the same bellef, and had not acrupled to express it openly. There were, it was (rue, reasons in plenty why Capella should pave com- mitted this terrible deed. He was, presumably, utfauced to Margaret at the time. Apparently her fatuer's wil, had contemplated the cutting down of ber anuual allowance. The young belr had, «4 the other band, made up the deur Hut why did these artificial restrictions exist? Why were pre~ cautions taken by the father to dimia- jah his daughter's income? She had been extravagant. Both father ahd brother quarrelled with her on this point. Indeed, t slight fam~- lly disturbance wi rence to It during Sir Alan's last visit to Loa- don, Was Capella intxed up with it? At last there was @ glimmoring per- ceptivn of muuve for un otherwise fendishly irrational act. Did it vend to Incriminate the Itallan? A summons to luncheon dispelled the momentary gloom of their thougits. Before the meal ended Miss Layton joined them, Brect looked at bis watch, “Fifty minute: be sald, Then all iaughed, except Mra. ho murvelled at the cvol- hess of tie meeung between the girl and David. But the old indy was -witted, Have you met before?” she cried ald the girl, kissing mean to say they have what happened to tho 3 “do you told you park?" “Phat will require @ special sit- ting,” sald Breit gully, “Meanwhil 1 am going to the Mall, | suppose ou do not care to accompany moe, dume?” am The reply was #o emphatio that tt created further merriment, “Well, toll mi uickly what thu new secret is,” exclaimed Mra, East hain, “because in five minutes 1 mu have a long talk with my cook. Bhe has to prepare pies and pastry suf ficient to feed nearly @ hundred school children next Monday, and It isa matter of much calculation." Hrett took his leave “t knew that geod old soul would be tactful," he sald to himself. "Now I wonder how Winter made such a coh al mistake as to tinagine that Hume murdered his cousin, He was sure of the affections of a delightful girl; he could not succeed to the property; he has declined to take up the title, What reason could he have for cammitting such @ arime?” IN AND SET IT UP WHERE IT BELONGS Thon @ man walked up the road— ae man dressed Lke & farmer or wees rotund, strongly-bullt, eheer- ‘ul-luoking, He balled opposite Mis, Bastions house, where the barrister sill aiood drawing on bis gloves, Un the duors.ep— bt said Brett aloud, “you are an egregious ass, Winter.” “Why, Mr. Breit?” asked the una- bashed inspector detective. “lan't the make-up good?” “ft ls the make-up that always leads you astray, You or theorize he eo] of the police tradl- telded to not unnatural annoryance. ‘ib babitual caution 6 glanced around to assure himself that no other person was within ear- shot; then he said vehemendy: ‘1 tell you, Mr, Brett, that David aver killed dir Alan Hume- Mr. Winter “You use strong language.” “Not stronger than he deserves.” “What are you duing here?" “i beard he was in Loudon, and watched bim. I saw bim go to your chambers and guessed what was up, 0 | came down here to see you and you what I know." d-nature?’ it or not, Mr, It Is the truth.” Brett. “Hie bas been tried and acquitted. He cannot be tried again. Does Scot- land Yard"—— “I'm on my holidays.” Brett Mughed heartily. "T gee!” he cried, “A bus river's holiday! For how long?” “Fourteen days.” "You re nothing if not pro- s fessional. I suppose it was not your first offense, or they might have let you off with a fine,” The detective enjoyed this depart- mental joke, He grinned broadly. “Anyhow, Mr. Brett,” he eald, “you and | have been ged on loo many emart bits of work for me to atand quietly by and let you made @ foui of." The barrister came nearer, and aid, in @ low tone: “Winter, you have never been more roistaken In your life, Now, attend to my words. If you belp me you will, In the first place, be well paid for your services. ondly, you Will be able to place your hand on the true murderer of Sir A Hum Frazer, or | will score my first fi ure, Thirdly, Scotland Yard will give you another holiday, and I can secure you some shooting in Scot. lund. What say you?" The detective looked thoughtful. Long experience had taught bim got to argue with Brett when the latter was in earnest, “L will do anything in my po’ he said, “but there la more in thi business than perhaps you are aware of-more than ever transpired at the Assizes,”” “Quite #o, and @ good deal that has transpired since, Now Winter, don't argue, there's a wood fellow. Go and engage the landlord of the local inn in 1 discussion on crops. I am off to Beecheroft Hall, Mr, Hume and I 1 for you on your way back market. In our private sit. pat the botel there I will ex everything.” vey parted, Brett was promptly admitied by Mrs. Crowe, aad walked ropidly up the avenue, Winter watched bis retreating tle ure “He's amart, I know he's smart mused the detective, “But he doesn't know everything about this affair, He doesn't know, I'll be bound, that Dayid fe Humo-Fraszer weited for his cousin that olght outside the library, 1 didn't know It—worse luck!--uatil after he waa acquitted. And he doesn't know that Miss Nellie Layton didn’t reach home from Mrs, Basthamn's New Years Eve ball unti! 1.30 A. M,, thoweh abe left the ball at 12.16, and her house ta, 8o to speak, a minute's walk distant. And she was in a car- rie. Oh, there's more in Unis case than meets the eye! I can't aay which would please most, to find out the real murderer, if Hume didn't do it, or were Mr, Brett to be in the wrong’ iB the confusion was so great that he was momenturtly unable to map out & definite line of action, The relations between Cajella and his wife were evidently strained al- most to breaking point, and it w thie very fact which caused bim the woratest perplexity. They had been cMrried ittle more than #ix months, They were an ex- traordiparily haadsome couple, ap parently well suited w each other by temperament and mutual sympathies, whilst their means were ample enough to permit (em to live under any conditions they might choose, CHAPTER III. Husband and Wife. RETT did not hurry on his way to the Hail. Already things were in a whirl, and and gratify personal houvies to the | fullest excent What, then, could have happened to divide them #0 completely Surely not Capelia’s new-born passion for Helen Layton, Not even & bot-blooded Suutherner could be ity of such deliberate rascality, @uch ineffable folly, during t first few wouths after his murringe to a beautiful and wealthy wife, ‘To adopt the hasty judgment ar- rived at by Hume and Mra, Eastham, Capella must be deemed capable of murdering his wife's brother, of bringing wbout the death of his wife after securing the reversion of | her vast property to hirmelf, and of fail- ing in love with Helen—all in the game breath. This species of crim- {nality wae only met with in lunaticn, and Capella \inyroseed the burrister ae an emotional pers Re, C8 je of xupreme good as of supreme evil, but quite sane. ‘The question to be solved was thi Why i Capelin and hia wife qua rel in the first instance? Perhaps that way light might come. He naked a footman If Mra. Capella would receive him, The mun glanced he anid at once, “Madam gave instructions that if either you or Mr. David called you were to be taken to her boudoir, where she awaits you.” The room wns evidently on the first floor, for the servant led him up the magnificent oak staircase that climbed two aides of the reception hi But this was fated to be a day of Interrupt: barrister, when he ng, Was confronted A word with you, Mr, Brett," the stiff greeting given to him, “Cortainly. But fam going to Mra, Cayelta's room." “She can walt, She does not know you are here, James remain outside yeu Mr, Brett returns, Thea con- juct him to your mistress,” was erat yee Ofe bot se apis eanding Me Ne prvduces Ainge gre@y (0 Caper 07 hue prOvoRng calunens, Keay,” te oad at iam, “you | eilenwe be cried imperatively leben (he [taiian would have bronen Our into @ torrent of expustulations, i wm im foul thw meihuc of addrese bad the fare mor of achievint ite abject. | Capella wae reduced to @ condition | Of sovchiens rage | “You consider yourself grieved person, | au the Koglenman, eubeuking Into @ stave jof comenpiuous piacdity, "Sow lnegiont pour wile, make love to ao honvrable and pure minded girl, stoop lw te use of unworthy taun eveu crhmnal Innuendo, lome pisol of pour passion lay auc- riegivas bands upon Helen Layton, Jaud yet you reseut (he well-merived punishment adunuiatered to you by her atiaaced busvabd. Were fa sure goon, air, Capslla, | mignt take aa avatomueal laterest In your bran, Ae 1 reward you as 4 payenulogioal in lalter-day bluckguardiaas, atudy Dy you under “Parteutly, ewered may question give him Kreater pleasur “Puen you Will arrange this matter? ican seud @ frend to your" “Aud Ut you dot Wul send the police 4, (hus posmbiy Boticlpauog ® somewhat.” What do you mean?” wean thar my sole purpose in life just now ws lo lay Bands vn the tian who kiled Sir Alaa bume- Untiu tuat end i achieved, bi neor, 1 wo) take good care tuat your crude iden» of boner are dealt Le as toey weie W-day, bY Loe tue Of @ bout.” Cowie Was cerusaly @ singular peraun. He listened unmoves we wi breats and insults, be gave that soaring suule of bis, and toyed Luspauienly With bis mustache, “Your object in life does not eon- cern me. Your courte tried thelr vest to hang the man who was re- sponsible for bis cousin's death, and failed. 1 tak progered duel?” os. “Then 1 will fght David Hume tn my own way You have rejected the fair alternative on his bebelf, Car- amba! We shall see now who wins. He will never marry Helen,” “What did you mean just pow when you sald that he was ‘responsible for his counta's ceath Is that an Ital- f describing @ cold blooded jan Wa murdor? Capella leaned back and snarled eilently agalo, It wee @ pity be had cultivated that trick, It spoilt aa otherwise classically regular eet of features, “James!” be shouted, The footman entered, “Take this gentieman to your mis tress 1 have done with him," “For tho present, James,” said Brett, 1 astonished servant Jed bim along @ corridor and knocked at a door hidden by @ silk curtain. Mra, Capella rose to revelve her visitor. Bhe wan Very pale now, but quite calm aod dignified in manner, “Davie did uot come with yout* sho vald when Brett was seated near to ber in an alcove formed by an orlel window, He with Miss Layton." “Ah, | am not sorry, I prefer to talk with you alone. » better, Your coustn isive in some respects, though ntained enough in others.” "It may be wo. 1 like him, although we have not seen much of each other since we were cuildren, 1 knew him Use morning principally on account of hiv likeness to Alun. But you ai nis friend, Mr, Brett, and | can dis- puss with you matters [ would not to broach with him. He js with Layton pow, you say?” Yes, and let me add an explana- ton. Those two young people are de- voted to euch other, No power on earth could separate them.” "Why do you tell me thatt You are clever, Mr. Brett. If you ean interpret @ eriminal'’s design as well as you ® read a woman's beert you must be @ terror to evil- doers.“ © silght color came tnto her cheeks. The barrister leaned forward, bis hands clasped and arma reaung on his knees i i! have Just seen your husband,” ° She exhibited no marked align of emotion. but he thought he detected a frightened look In her eye “A ask." she exclaimed, “why fous, You ought to know on, There was @ quarrel this morning between him and David Hume. Your husband wished me to arrange a duel, I promised him @ vistt from the police if | heard any more of such non sense.” ° “A duel! More bloodshed!" she almost whispered, “Do pot have any alarm for either of thom, They are quite safe, 1 will guarantee much, at any rate, Lut your husband is & somewhat curious Person, He Prone to strong and sudden ttachments,"* Mare her hands «o her face, 3 no lonrer bear the torture quiescence. “Oh, what sha * ghe wailed, sm the moss miserable woman in England to-day, and I might have been the happiest.” “Why are you miserable, Mra, Ca- pella?” asked Brett geatly "I cannot tel you. Perhaps it ts owing to my own folly, Are you sure that David ana Helen intend to get it you dechne this ! your cuss ® thie wer, Are sot, these your own FH 4 when dives contlotng — _ i's Concluding sent eoemes to rity bie hearer _— Pp i” os Way cant urmured, aud the wi ppeared © come from « heart of conn “Taere are oy tome 1. want cleared up, but | do aot wish to dis- ‘reas you unduly, Can you not refer v instance? me lo your suieitora, abe Wo anewey 1 imagine they wil ve all my Aueries," % 4 Lecter to deal ay, inyoot.” ee “Very well 1 will eo is pear lS re ge er i days betore his eatht ett use) was hivi re wanuy. Not only that, but ber disap Proved of my manuer of ike, in those Gaye t was headstrong aod wilful, 1 loved a buheman oximieuce oumbined aap abeurd luAury, oF rather, a wildly mei No we expendiiure of one who knows ture me then, Yet nuw fam oa neppy rhs 1a Boo and an peovlee eye, and happy, Strange, is it wor’ “Not altogether so unueu: you may think, Was any oiber pence ia- oui A term the re- weer and yourwelt?* bist @ & ditheult question » wwor | was very caress in money oe matters, but it is ciear that 8 WOW Could tudment of rave of Living from B2e,000 to Ze000 Per anoun must considerubie Sonuected wiih Ge,’ “ad you been difference w all ping at the for- mone} “Who else kae: ment with him Vealded these ders and his solicitors?” All my friends, I used to at bis serious ways, wheu 1. older and much more experienced in some re- spects, treated life as a tiresome joke, But none of my friends were vom- missloued to murder my brother spat 1 might obtain the estate, Mr. “Not by you," mane eee pause, Then: ere ou mal a - oa boa iret fuddeniy. igi japles—a civil ceremony, be- fore tho Mayor, and Y Britian Conauls . “eeistered By tie money laugh he said thoughtfully, ‘a rr been long teat” “L mel pds, * vent Garden ‘Theatre, the night Say Neothee was killed.” was now Brett’s turn “Aro you quite certain of this?” he asked, his surprise at the turn taken by the conversation almost throwing him off his . “Poaitive, Were you led to believe that Glovannt was the murderer?” “tL am led to believe nothing at Present,” he said slowly, “This tn- quiry ia, a» yel, only twenty-four hours old so far as I am con am seeking Information, When 1 am gorged with facts I to t them. ‘ou tell me wh: and your husband have, shall we say, dies agreed #o soon after your marr! i? ou were formed by Providence and nature to be mated, What has driven you apart?" ' The woman flushed scarlet under this direct inquiry, cannot tell you,” ly, “but the cause—in no way—co! cerns—elther my brother’s death—or David's innocence, It is personal—de- tween Glovanni and myself. In God's good time, it Ce 4 be put right.” Brett, singularly enough, was a man of quick Impulse. He was moved now y a profound pity for the woman who thus bared her heart to him, ‘Thank you for your candor, Mra, Capella,” he exclaimed, with a fervor that evidently touched her. “May I ask one more question, and 1 have done with a most unpleasant ordeal. Do you suspect any pergoa of being your brother's a in “Indeed I do not.” “No,” she sald, CHAPTER Iv, Revelations, IME and Winter did mot meet on terms that might be strictly described as cor- dial, Brett, on quitting the Hall, had surrendered himself to a Spell of vacant bewilderment. He haled the unwilling Hume from He}- en's soclety, and picked up the detec- tive at the Wheat Sheaf Inn. Then the barrister, from sheer need of mental reltef, determined to have some fun with them, “You two ought to know each other,” he sald good-humoredly, “At one time you took keen interest in matters of mutual concern, Allow mo to Introduce you. Hume—this ty Mr, Winter of Scotland Yard." David was quite uaprepared for thi meeting. ~ “What?” be exclaimed, his upper lip stiffening, “the man who concocted all sorts imaginary evidence agains , light . Bro} ‘Concocted’ is not the naginary,’ either, “Quite right,” sald Brett, (Teo Be Continued.)