The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1879-06-04
CHAPTER Y.

LOCKED IN WITH THE FLAMES. I
From the servants quarters Cecil went
directly ont into the garden.
She walked up to Clark and confronted
him. demanding in ringing tones:
Jared Clark, what have you done with
my father?" ~
Clark started, and bit his lip.
The convict stood stock still, while the Of.
fcer stared stupidity.
"Why such a question, Miss Clayton2"
asked CLARK, blandly.
Cecil eyed him haughtily.
"You know why, slr-becanse he has been
missing snce l,st ght, and just before the
discovery of his absence was seen in your
company"
"dissingT repeated Clark, as If doubling
that he had heard Alright.
The heiress stamped her little foot angrily,
and her features became rigid.
"What have you done with my father2"
she again demanded.
Clark appeared nervous and uncomfort-
able.
"Why my dear Miss Clayton, how should
know where he ISL"
"As the last person seen in his company
last night you should be able to tell where
he went, or where you left him. He did not
return to the house"
The piercing ,yes remained riveted upon
him. He did not finch.
Il assure you, know nothing of your
respected parent We parted last even-
ing at the chestnut beside the lake.
Something has undou6te ly happened him,
but really do not see that Can be held
responsible"
inwardly he was invoking curses on the
old mans head.
When Jared Clark declared ignorance Of
John Claytons whereabouts, he sp Ike truly.
John Clayton out Of the way, Clark's purse
would suffer.
He did not deny that he had conversed
with the old man-that was evidently known.
Had he been sure of his ground, he would
have sworn TO the contrary.
Cecil was obliged to accept the assevera-
ton, and remained in her former dreadful
state of uncertainty. Her fears were now
thoroughly awakened, and she began to
feel that she had seen her dear parent for
the last time on earth.
Men were sent in every direction, to look
for the missing man. Long and untiringly
: they searched, but as night closed i'll it be-
came evident tnat, if alive, he was not in the
village.
Preparations were then made for the DRAG
ging OF the river.
/ Still no word passed between Cecil and
| her convict uncle.
In the evening" the prisoner was removed
! to the gardeners storehouse, pretty little
/ frame structure of the Venetian pattern.
J This was brought about by another polite
hint from Mr.. Clark, that, as this was to bo
Jasper's last night out of Jail, she really
should be placed in more commodious
quarters than he had occupied the night be.
fore"
The CONSERVATION created by the myste-
rious disappearance aided Clark in the con.
cocting of his plans against the heiress OF
the Clayton property as also did the won
derful sagaciLy OF Mr. Belts the prison Off
cial, who indulged in all sorts of surmises
and eoniectures III regard to the affair, CIV
ing much more of his time to these tan to
duty. Clark determined that his prize, on
which he had, for years, fattened, should
not escape him, if scheming could now pos
sibly save it.
The smooth-tongued villain proffered his
services as guard over Jasper while the ex.
emplary official was taking his supper, and
they were readily accepted.
Clark saw him on his way to the house,
where special board was laid for him, and
then sat down beside the convict
well, Ned, you've made mess of it
: haven't your" he said, half-tauntingly.
Jasper's gaze was fixed upon the flooring
at his feet, and he seemed not to hear.
"What are you going to do, Ned, wher
YOU get home to PRISON. continued Clark
II thought you had more courage than t.
allow them to drag you back as they'd dral
. an OK to slaughter"
The man lifted his head.
g "All the towards are not behind prisol
i. bars, Jade Clark" he returned, doggedly.
"a a Clark smiled.
II "Thats cruel, Ned But, seriously, oil
J friend do you intend to keep mum on tina
little history hidden behind that brain @
r yours?'
Jasper's eyes turned to the floor again, a
l. if the contemplation of the wood intereste
him more than the animated being befor
him.
He moved his left foot out at an angl
sr from the other, and covered an object lyin
n on some loose straw. So unconcernedl
was the move made that Clark thought
Z merely a change of position.
Jade Clark, you think me weak from m
injuries, and consequently at your mercy,
ut said the convict slowly. "You also thin
A that, should l remain silent, you can fort
er those who unfortunately are of the san
n. name as myself Though / assume anothe
d to pan out we'll. Regarding the form,
idea, you are entirely mistaken" and as /
GO spoke he stopped quickly, moved his lie
foot aside, aud picked up pistol. 9Th
'st shows you that am able to protect myself
He lAveled the weapon. "While you we
y enjoying your little chat with the guar
W. this article slipped from your coatstailspor
IN ct. The officer having kindly left me u
tethered, have presumed to pick it u
lot Moral: Never carry firearms i'll your Coz
tailsr'
I'd. Clark did not move.
he GAS TO the information and knowled
beneath my skull" continued Jasper, wi
Ias tantalizing nonchalance, I'VE shall see hel
oh after what use will be made of it. Haul O
your portable inkstand, Mr.. Clark, your pt
led and a piece of paper, for know that, unl'
YOU have altered since l last talked w
you, you always carry such things
he The chagrined villain ground his tel
on with rage. =,
to. To resist would be folly, for he knew Il
Ar. Ned Jasper, weak rs he doubtless was, COZ
,ot overpower him. The hardships OF prls
,ci. life could not rob him of strength acqull
ID on the SEQ, nor yet could his fast-heal
;" wounds. And then, the muzzle of a pist
ce- placed in such proximity to the temple