The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1879-05-23
CHAPTER XIV.
MISS VAN puYNE CoNFIDEs IN Mr.. DALTON.
To return to James Dalton.

To return to James Dalton.
He sat penning a letter to his mother in
Switzerland. The room in which he sat
was an upper one in & modest dwelling Oh
Charlton Street, where he hld taken up his
abode since entering upon his work OF detec-
tive.
The letter was almost finished when gen.
tie tap sounded from the panel of the door.
He rose aud opened the door.
Good morning, Miss Suydam."
Clarce Suydam took the proffered chair,
and drew it to the window, where she seated
herself.
''Jnmes Dalton, am beginning to get
| discouraged, she said, fl, fully. II can
see no good fruits from our efforts to-"
james Dalton interrupted her.
"CLrce, you must not complain. You
know not what may have come about since
we last met think We have everything to
encourage MS.
"Ah! Then you have learned something?'
| ayes"
| The peculiar eyes of Clarence Suydam's
cousin opened wide, and bestowed all eager,
intense look upon Mir. Dalton,
"Why are you so reticent?" she asked,
petulanly.
"Becalise I am not yet at liberty to di-
yulge my discovery. am however, able to
say that | am fully convinced that Maud
Ovington is either the murdereSs or the ac-
complice OF the murderer Of Clarence Suy-
dam.
Il am hopeful, if you are convinced,
James," said Clarice, calmly. "But why
not make me the possessor OF your discov-
ery?'
because you are impetuous. Still, ere
long will t,ll you. Whatever you do will
not conflict with my plans"
That was all the answer Clarice succeeded
in obtaining.
A long discussion ensued, and then the
two separated.
After mailing his letter, Mr. Dalton took
his way to the residence of the young woman
whom he had, few days before, sa'ed from
a violent death. He was ushered into the
drawing-room by colored man-servant.
While awaiting the appearance of Miss
Van Duyne, he made thorough inspection
of the room. Everything Was of the cost es'
material, but there were some parts OF the
, room strangely out of contour with the ap
+ nointmeuts. One of the pecullarities wa.
, an opening before the fireplace; this open
ing had neither CRATE nor stove in front OF 1t
but was kalsomined the same as the ceiling
and seemed to be neither ornamental no
I" useful.
4 Through this aperture came sounds as O
a number of men conversing in low, earnest
Il almost angry tones, but james Dalton eoul
@ not distinguish the words.
# What meant the presence of SO many me
e at such a time of day? Was this gambling
hou, 9?
" The words of the keen-eyed man whom h
i had seen with Miss Van Duyne flashed acroi
IA James Daltons mind While he was deba
ing the relationship of this man to the your
v woman, Miss Van Duyne entered the room
10 clothed in a pale-blue morning dress, h
face wreathed in smiles.
of 81 had little time to spare, madam Ar
improved it by coming to inquire fyou ha
70 entirely recovered from your fright, and
in the coachman was severely injured"
This was his excuse, as he rose and bow
a. in acknowledgement of her courteous W,
De come.
Id "Oh, thank you, srr' she returned.
am quite recovered; but alas! the po
r. coachman is likely to suffer from his woun
for months to come"
nv After a few minutes conversation, Jan
Dalton rose to depart, more than ever !
". pressed by the pleasant manner and har
'pr some lace OI tue 9ouhS "oihah "honS Ahio
Id had saved.
,ot Can ask great favor, Mr.. Dalton2" {
asid, as he leaned carelessly against
; mantel in front of he open fireplace.
not Her voice was sunk to almost whisper
ity "Command me, !" he replied.
,ut "Please come away from that mantel."
to He obeyed, wonderingly.
"What is it, m danl?'
81 am surrounded by evil companion
ore she said, trembling, land | would esc'
them, if l could but am helpless! Th
ses are those upstairs, just above us, who
! a not dream that would dare to confide
,ay stranger their secrets, but, if you will n
lit. M at twelve tomorrow noon, in the W
ing room of French's Hotel, New Yorl
,ter will tell you something which will be
hat great service to you and Lasting beneh
me-"
0 to james Dalton gave the young woma
quick, searching glance, and replied,
-ge, equally low tones:
his II will be there!"
,les A noise as of the dropping of come art
ink upon the floor above caused Miss Van Ds
!, at to start.
"Our interview must end!" she said
,ok. am expected upstairs.
hat "Are there any other women in
house, madame?' he asked, sharply, as
the sound struck upon his ear.
III V.ra 1lrlNv