Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1883-05-29

young Gray wore haggard faces and
walked with uncertain steps. But nei-
ther was arrested, Major Wynne declar-
ing that the matter would be eventually
cleared up and that he believed Allen
Gray was the soul of honor.
So the Majors bondsmen took the Of
fee under their immediate charge, re-
tanning young Gray, though sorely against
his will, telling him that it would be
better to remain till the matter was thor
roughly investigated. The detective re-
turned to Washington, and Major Wynne
walked about the village streets, smiling
again, asserting that he had gained
thread by which the whole matter could
be unraveled, though what this new
found clew was he could not divulge for
the present.
But Allen Gray seemed failing in
health and spirits, and ofttimes Kitty,
whose school was not in session at that
time, was called in to assist or take the
place Of the dispirited young clerk, and
sometimes Major Wynne was also called
upon to render assistance. And not a
few people had come to hint that the
cause of Allen Gray's disquietude and
failing health were due to load Of con-
scious guilt.
The government detective had put in
another unexpected appearance and clos
eted in the evening with one of Major
Wynne's bondsmen,-tbe acting Post
mas,er-when some one raped sharply
on the door. Mr.. Marsh, the bondsman,
opened the door, and stood face to face
with Kitty Marble. Her eyes wore a
strange, intense look, and vivid color
burned in her cheeks. "I beg your par
don for intruding upon you" she said in
quiet even tone. Mrs. Marsh told
me that YOU were engaged, but | made
bold to call upon you just the same. |
want favor"
The detective eyed her keenly, while
Mr.. Marsh answered Certainly, Miss
Marble, will grant with pleasure any
favor that can"
"Do not make any rash PROMISES
said she with a smile, and then she con-
tinued, earnestly: "Mr. Marsh, | want
some decoy letters sent through this OF
flee with money in them, and then want
you and this gentleman to watch Mr..
Gray assert the mail tomorrow evening.
1t can be done easily from flight OF
stairs which run up at the rear of the
back office The partition is merely OF
boards, and | will arrange that loop
holes shall be made. Mr.. Gray will be
in the office alone. Here are some let
ters with money in them" and she pro-
duced some half dozen letters addressed
in various styles of writing to parties out
of the State, the fact that they contained
money being apparent to an experienced
eye and hand.
Mr.. Marsh gazed upon her in speech
less as,onshment, while the eyes Of the
officer twinkled as he said "Do as the
young lady wishes; there is no harm In
it, and there may be much good. | will
take the stage at the north in the morn
ing, and will mail the letters will re-
turn on the stage at night, and get OH
out of the village a ways"
Il have no objections to trying it, but
really. Miss Marble, why are you so in
terested in this matter :" asked Mr..
Marsh.
The girl flushed and paled. 81 have
had more or less connection with the
business, and know that letters have
been lost recently, and if Mr.. Gray is
the guilty party think he will be de-
tected by this means, and, if so, believe
he will make full confession, which un-
der the circumstances, would be due tc
Mr.. Wynne, in justice to himself and
family"
"Where is Mr.. Gray going:' queried
Mr.. Marsh.
, &c He is going out of town only dozen
miles or so on the southern stage, and
expects to be back at 6 in the afternoon,
answered the girl, rising to take her
leave.
A few minutes after s the next even
, ing, Mr.. Marsh and the detective ad
, mitted themselves into back hall of tht
post-office building, a key having beer
furnished the former by Kitty early il
the day. Part way up the stairs, which
led to vacant rooms in the second story
they found small apertures in the boart
partition by means of which they had q
full view of the back Office. A lamp
i, turned down low, stood upon the mail
q ing table, but the room was tenantless.
I 81 hardly like this business" mutter
ed Marsh, but the detective made no an