The National tribune., 1881-12-03
GERALD MYRTLENORE'S ESCAPE,
CHAPTER III.


tell by my face that had news to bring, and
great hope beamed from his eyes and answered
mine
"You--you know something's"
II believe, Gerald, am on the right track al
last; but before tell you my ideas l must ask
questions again. You suspected a marine store
dealer of the theft of your pistol. His name is
Richard Hyles?"
"Yesn
You had dispute with him-what about %
ooh, he assaulted servant, and I lectured
him; it's an immense while ago"
ut may be that he has never forgiven you.n
Il don't think he has; but that"
Means to my mind great deal"
And then l told Gerald Myrtlemore both nv
suspicion and my plans.
[ had been up to Hollies Hall, and had OBJ
tanned both the Hateful backed memorandum
book and another, semi-key thereto For long
hours L studied them side by side, and ample
reward had come. The &C. on" occurred MANY
times and stood before the notes taken in nv
own office prior to Captain Tranton's trip north
ward. 1t was evidently contraction of called
on" and presented little difficulty. The "198"
l construed to mean so many English pounds
Over and over again records Of moneys lent were
there in this questionable guise The 1870,
GOTH" was the chief link of all I read it
rightly or wrongly remained to be proved-as
1870 p m. October co. the actual day and hour
of the murder. [ took it to fix an interview
with the mysterious r. H" an interview that
had taken place and had ended in-crime The
Imp" according to the key, meant invariably
" Imperative" The "Qurr." freely translated
"Quarreled." The line now stood thus:
called on R. H-e195-10:3O D. NJ, Oct.
20-Imperative Quarreled."
Who was "R. HIP" / strolled out into the
village, and identified those letters within a
dozen yards of Ashdale church. A little bullying
shop, its windows crammed with all sorts of
goods, had Richard Hylss" painted
above it, and putting my friends story of the
lost weapon and the passionate, implacable
marine store dealer in connection with these
trumpet-tOngued symbols, constructed theory
"Ah," said Gerald, as the light broke in on him
too "You think Richard Hyles stole my pistol,
borrowed money of Capt Tranton had a row
and-did the thing"
tectyes on the scent at once; there is no time to
lose, and we must be cautious, Or our bird will
1y"
what wretch the man must bs,s
Your courtship of Capt. Tranton's daughter
must have been current talk in the village, and
probably other people beside me put it down that
you would be refused. Hyles must have known
his, must have learned somehow of your going
up to the Hall that evening, and have thought
hus to escape himself and pay another old
srudge by putting the crime on to your should
ITS"
"And has nearly succeeded too. Does Milly
hink me guilty?"
Alas, how was to tell him!
II really did not know" 1 answered. Poor
sirl! Her mother and herself are both at the |
ectory still, with the Bronnes; they do not feel
It all able to go back to the Hall"
Despite the fearful position in which he STOOD |
Gerald was always ready to hear talk of Mill
ent; he would have gone to the death for that !
sirl blithely as ever went fanatic to the scat
old. He delayed me many minutes now.
had ridden back to my Office, and was busy |
n writing letters for several waiting clients, |
nd my clerk ushered in a lady in deepest black |
rose and, when the veil was lifted, met the |
eyes of Miss Tranton. Dark |
ings were around them, and their expression |
vas one Of earnest appeal. All the rose had died |
ut of Milly's cheek now.
"You are quite alone? 1 can speak to you in
onfidence minute or two, Mr.. Parker"
"Willingly; l am quite at your command,
fss Tranton"
"The assizes open next Monday; Gerald-Mr.
furthermore is to be tried"
Eyes"
{" He is quite innocent Mr. Parkss
" / am aware of it,
Il would have seen him before this but for
lother; she will not beleve-I must see him.
II. Parke! They will not convict him?n
In that last sentence, passionate and rapid the
'st vestige Of reserve had persisted. It was a
oman forgetful of herself, thinking only of a
wed one, with faith in his integrity, with dread
his danger that stood before me-
II have very little fear" replied. Yesterday
~ words would have been less confident.
l must give evidence" she said 81 know
'mething. was too bewildered to think at
lie inquest"
Eagerly [ listened, hoping further clew, and
OF being disappointed
Il knew Gerald was coming up that night. I
'uldn't rest in my room; l stole along the cor
dor and through the hall, and heard people
liking loudly, rudely. I went nearer to the