The times and democrat. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1881-current, 1886-11-25

Harding studied tho book FOR nearly half
all hour, often making jottings on sheet
of paper and referring again and again to
particular pages Ho laid it down wcarily
OF last,
n can do nothing with it," ho sail. "It is
evidently somu very intricate form Of cipher
Such things are to be read. however, and we
must havo this read We canno. afford to
lcse any chance Of hitting upon clew."
"But whom can you get to read it!"
@We must think that over Perhaps
Biclski may be able to give us some assist
ance.h
Tho noxt day wHs spent in journey to
Barton at the request Of Eastmenl From
Barton we went with Eastmead to Little
Lorton for the purpose of seeing Smirke, the
chemist That person Immediately recog-
nized tho parcel found in the secret staircase
at the hail a4 being that in which he had
wrapped the strychnia sold to Daisy. But
he was able to afford additional proof of the
identity of the parcel On removing the
sealed outer wrapper he showed US an inner
covering, on which the label was repeated,
with the address, and, in addition, the date,
"Oct. E" in tho chemists own handwrit-
ing. There was, therefore, no longer any
doubt that so far as the mere possession OF
strychnia at the time Of the murder was
concerned, the evidence given against Daisy
at her trial had been absolutely neutralized.
Aftidayits describing the discovery and iden-
tifcation of tho parcel were duly made on
the same day by Smirke, ]Instmead and my
self before one of the Barton magistrates.
Two days passed without any further
progress being made. 1t was whole week
since Daisy's condemnation, and only two
more remained to US in which to save her.
NV impatience was ut fever height, and
Harding had hard task to keep mo in any
degree calm or self-posscssed. 1 had not
dared to seek another interview with my
darling. Until tho question of life and death
was settled in ono way or the other, l felt
that to see her once more would only be to
torture her uselcssly, and to rob me of tho
little strength which I still had left But
through the chaplain of tho Jail l was in
constant communication with her. Every
day wrote to her, and sho knew that was
living for her sake and hers alone.
This first week, say, had come to an end
before We heard anything more Of Biclslii.
1t was Sunday evening, and was sitting by
myself, wearily seeking for some fresh clew
which might hitherto have escaped my at
tcntion, when tho detective was suddenly
ushered into my room.
"Good evening. Mr.. Fenton. Pm afraid
YOU think have boon a long time over my
work; but it has been as stiff Il job ns l have
had for some time The fellow has done
nothing but double and take fresh names.
IF il had not been for that photograph you
lent Inc should have been baiiled ut last.
"And you-havc you found HING l cried
eagerly
YES sir, hos here at your service; but
before bring him in to SEQ you should like
TO give you hint. l don't know whether
you'll find him willing witness or tho rc-
yer,e; but if tho latter, just ask him if hc
remembers Smith s. Sharp, Of Gracechurch
street. That will fetch him soon enough,
sir. You suu Lu got into trouble there ten
years ago, and has been wanted ever since.
I'll wait outside till you have had Your talk
with him."
He was leaving the room, when Harding,
who had Just heard of the detectives arrival,
entered, and in Il few words was informed ol
the situation.
ale. Biesai make himself useful while ho
is waiting" said Harding; "givc him that
memorandum book"
handed the littlo notebook to the detec-
tive He looked ut it gravtly.
II wonder if I can crack this nutl It's II
hard one; but I'll try"
WE withdrew, and in two minutes the door
was opened, and Mr.. james Gregson entered
with tho impudcnt smile upon his faco which
7 knew so we'll Bowiur with IN uir Of
familiarity, which was not withouta Il dis
tinct touch Of insolence, he looked from mc
to Harding, as though inqurng the reason
which had led us to take so much trouble to
find him. Beneath this outward assumption
Of self confidence thought could catch signs
that tho fellow was not quito so much ut his
ease as be wished to appear. invited him
to take seat, nd gravely stated to him the
object had in seeking him ort
ITO BE CONTINUED.