The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1881-03-24

returned.
However, as neither of the parties
mentioned was in the room at that time,
there was no opportunity afforded Varnoe
to ascertain whether their conversation
could so easily be overheard as the lady
had given him to understand. After
spending a short time in his room he
went into the parlor, where he engaged
in light conversation with Mrs.
Schwinke, but studiously avoided any
reference on his part to their previous
conversation, although she endeavored
several times to introduce the matter
that appeared to be her absorbing
thought, but Varnoe always managed to
change the subject.
When the dinner bell rang. Mrs.
Schwinke said quietly, before they en-
tered the dining room:
"Now you will have an opportunity of
seeing the young men. I will make yon
acquainted with them under your assum-
ed name of Mr.. Powers"
At dinper Mr.. Powers, the new board
err, was introduced to the others. and
then they sat down to partake of the
really good and substantial viands which
were provided by the amiable hostess.
Varnoe looked at the two suspected
confederates in the poisoning line" and
at once pronounced the landlady mistak-
en- in her judgment, or rather her sus-
picions-for the truth manifested itself
during the latter part Of her interview at
Varnoe's Office, that she was inclined to
doubt her first impression in reference to
the murderous intent OF Mr.. Sellers.
The young gentleman was about TWEEN
ty-three years of age, of fair complexion,
laughing blue eyes and an honest ex-
preston of countenance.
Abel Luther did not impress the de-
tectiye quite 30 favorably, yet there was
apparently nothing vicious in his organ
ization. He was only q silly, conceited
coxcomb, Varnoe thought. He possess
ed q handsome face and figure, but no
brains to correspond.
During the progress of the meal Varnoe
observed something else. A fine buxom
girl, who waited on the table, frequently
favored Frederick Sellers with prolOng-
ed glance of evident admiration, to which
the recipient seemed perfectly oblivious.
He also saw the girl cast stealthy glances
ut Mrs. Schwinke, while that lady and
Sellers were engaged in spirited CONVEX
sation. He also noticed that while the
chances she bestowed upon Sellers were
evidently of q tender nature, those that
she favored Mrs. Schwinke with were
strongly tinctured with the angry light
of an evil jealousy.
"The landlady admires Sellers, and so
does this girl, while at the same time she
hates her mistress" Thus reasoned the
observant detective.
After this Varnoe had aprivate CONVEX
satiou with his hostess, and spoke to her
in very plain terms.
"Mrs. Schwinke," asked he, "who is that
handsome girl who waited on the tablet"
NINA FRANKIE, replied the lady. do
you admire her?"
"That is not what l am driving at,
madam" responded he, gravely. II see
she greatly admires your favorite boarder,
Mr.. Frederick Sellers"
An indignant flush sprang to her face at
these words, after which she turned pale as
death, and in hoarse whisper observed:
"Do you think she has anything to do
with this poisoning?"
Listen to me, madam; I've not finished
what 1 intended to say, "rejoined Varnoe
l saw her casting admiring chances at
OelleTS bIl<t Ddlclul Biuh%Co Nv yO"'
"Baleful? What is that?-ugly looks?''
she asked.
"She evidently hates you"
81 know she does," was the quick re-
Spouse of the hostess. :" Is it because
she admires Mr.. Sellers?" she asked,
anxiously. :,
"No, it is because you admire him,
returned the detective.
The hostess turned away her head to
hide her blushing face, while she sighed.
"Oh, Mr.. Powers!'
ct is the truth am telling you,' re-
Joined Varnoe. 81 do not think that Mr..
Sellers has any evil designs on you; and
if you fear any such thing, you had bet
ter look to Miss FRANKIE. She seems
quite capable of such deed for she is
fearfully jealous; and woman under its
influences loses all control Of her better
Judgment, and often is guilty Of acts she
would not commit in her cooler mo-
moments.
"I'n clear her out of the house this
very day" cried Mr.. Schwinke, in great
wrath. .,
"Softly, madame" said Varnoe. with
an amused smile; that would be in
compatible with justice. The girl has
committed no graver offense than to adj
mire the man you admire, and surely
that is no crime, or you would be eq ually
guilty. 1t is only an evidence OF her
good taste, don't you see?"
srrha hold thinri I'll talk to her." re-