Springfield globe-republic. (Springfield, Ohio) 1884-1887, 1886-09-19
ENGAGED In HASTE.
by MISS NJ. =. BRADDoN.
CHAPTER TX.

and-salt hair and whiskers, and pepper
and-salt clothing 10 match, was listening
and questioning, and making notes, until
he had the story of Sir Allan's wound, so
far as il WAS known to Miss Darnel and
Col Stukely, all in black and white be
fore him. Then he went up to see the
room in which the catastrophe happened,
and, moving to and fro. quietly, lest he
should disturb the patient in the adjoin-
ing room, he made a complete inspection
of the ground. Here was the spot, just iu-
side the threshold, where Sir Allan was
found lying. There were stains of blood
upon the AubusSOn carpet TO mark the
place where he lay while they waited for
the coming Of the doctor. He had clutched
the portiere as he fell, for the first three or
four hooks that sustained il were wrenched
from the brass rod There was Lady Dar-
nei's writing desk. She had been sitting
there writing ten minutes before she
heard the pistol from the corridor outside.
There were the two French windows open
ing ON 10 the balcony.
Was either of these windows opea on the
night' Yes, one was open. The colonel
remembered the wind blowing in his face
as he came in at the door.
Mr.. Penwern stepped out upon the bal
cony and made his survey. 1t was n
broad, old-fashioned balcony, roofing in a
colonnade outside the breakfast-room be-
low. The pilaSters of the colonnade were
covered with greenery-a mighty westeria
spread itself along the ironwOrk like a
curtain, an old magnolia was trained over
one side of the balcony. Easy enough for
an active man TO reach such a balcony.
No difficulty as to access. The next Ques-
ton TO be considered was motive.
ANY valuables kept at this end OF the
house, asked the detective.
Lady Darnel has some jewelry in her
dressing-room, answered Dora, but Lady
Darnel's are not family jewels, not of suf-
ficient renown to tempt thief, should
think"
Thieves are easily tempted nowadays"
answered Penwern. The trade is over
run and business is often very slack. IL
seems TO me that this balcony is about the
easiest access all along this side of the
house. and the point at which any man
would naturally enter"
But with this room occupied: with
lamps burning" suggested Dora, incred-
ulously.
The room had been deserted some min
utcs before the shst was fired. A man
might have been ON the watch for this op-
portunity."
surely he would have waited till Lady
Darnel had gone 10 bed; till the house
was dark. That seems only reasonable"
said Dora
1t seems reasonable: but there is
the fact that the shot was fired,
and there is the antecedent that
Sir Allan got up and came TO that door
wonder. take it that he heard strange
footstep in this room and that he came in
just in time TO surprise the burglar Are
you sure that there were no valuables in
this very room,'
Quite SURE answered Dora at is Lady
Darners boudoir There has never been
anything kept here except her work-boxes
writing cases, and books, just as you see
them now"
The detective had devoured the room
with his eyes. He knew every article it
In that Italian cabinet, for instance, are
no valuables - trinkets, money = kept
there!" he asked
Nothing Of the kind TO my knowledge"
Stay" exclaimed the colonel sir Al
Ian told US that he had drawn s40O in bank
lloeCs lOL NidNCAlliA CAptlistS. I1ON uo we
know that he did not keep the money in
this room-in that cabinet, perhaps, l saw
him put away lease in that very cabinet |
a fortnight ago, when was here with him |
and Lady Darnel at afternoon tea"
LADY Darnel would be the most likely |
person TO enlighten us, take it, said the |
detective, who thirsted TO see Lady Darnel. |
Until he had scrutinized and taken stock |
of every member of the family and house |
hold it was 10 Mr. Penwern as if he were |
playing a difficult game of cards blind |
folded When he had seen all his cards he |
would begin 70 understand what game he |
had to play
After a few minutes whispered con-
with the colonel, Dora went in
guest Of Lady Darnel.
She found Glare Darnel sitting by her
neglected fire, Just as Grace had left her
There is a person here trying TO find
Dut the mystery of my brothers wound
she said curtly. HE wants to ask you a
lew questions"
Clare started suddenly TO her feet That
marble face of hers could not grow paler
han il had been, but there was a fright
.ned look in her eyes which Dora was
quick TO perceive.
w ma. kiila oi person. she asked' "A
'once oiricer
ne comes from Scotland 1ard.
=, i-ady Darhei iii'de no Iurther remark
ney went IN slirhce 10 'he mornlng-roonl,
where Mr.. Penwura was standing in front
# the window, looking out, while the
oionei hase'eo ABOUT the coil Olank
iearth.
Inc ue.ectiSe turned as Lazy Darnel en-
sred' salu1eu her respectfully, ana looked
ner Win grave eyes Which ABSORBED
very oetall Oh her appearance without
ne Iaihtest lholcatioh Oh eaSerness or
urloslty.
Despite the calm dignity OF her attitude,
ne statuesque repose OF her features, the
elective SAW the SlRnS OF AnnrphpnSinp |