The Arkansaw traveler., 1886-03-13

me solemnly that if the man were In Lon- doa and he did not think 1t likely that he was nos) he would find him before many days had passed. But what ap- peared to me to be very many long and weary days passed without this promise being redeemed.
 We had been in London fourteen days, and the last day arrived that 1 could re. main in London, Eos she sxial gas to take place on the next day. had given up all hope of finding Stokes but Macham. who had gone out earlier than usual that morning, had said that he was hot on the mans track, and would possibly be able to put his hand on him that day. He returned about four in the afternoon, and his unusual appearance at that hour told me immediately that he had some news
 "You have found him p cried, spring ing up hastily.
 have" he answered, land should be ashamed for any one in the profession to know the tune it has taken me. But this Stokes seems to be a very shifty fel- low, and regular bird of passage"
 "Thank heaven, his flights did not ex- tend out of Loadon," remarked
 Those.sort of chaps stick to London like ants to their heap" said Macham l" This enc found at last living with 10, of very questionable characters of both sexes"
 And you have brought him with you ?"
 q have; and a nice job had of it. He wouldn't budge an inch until ! told hl'n there was heap of money in 1t, and gave him a sovereign on account. He IS outside now"
 "You haven't said anything to him p asked.
 Not a word"
 "Then bring him in."
 Samuel Stokes turned out to be mis- erable-iooking creature, with a mean cunning expression, and very shabbily dressed. He appeared to be very sus. picious, and he looked from Macham te me with evident distrust. l was nervou. at beginning the inquiries.
 "Mr Stokes, will you kindly take q seatH" l said i; and my visitor took cha ail near the doer, while Macham, who stood leaning against the wall, lighted a cigar and looked on. Now that the man hac como to London to find, and spent twt weary weeks in searching for, was h ml presence, could find for some minute: nothing to say-no question to put t' him.
 Suddenly it struck me that in all prob ability he did not know of his brother death, 90 l asked:
 When did you last hear from you brother William ?" "I haven't heard from him since 1 sav him last, which is over six months age But before answer any more question! you must tell me what you're after, ane how much it's worth to me. l ain't go ing to say anything against Bill, though for any one"
 "Mr. Stokes" said, "it is evident yo' don't know what has befaslea you brother"
 "No, I've heard pothiag. Has he go into trouble again9 don't wonder at l these hard times, when moneys s' scarce."
 "Your brothers troubles are ever," said gravely |" am sorry to have to tel you that he is dead"
 The nan seemed genuinely overcome and was obliged to give him some littl, time to master his emotion.
 Peor Btlll" he said at last "W weren't always very friendly, but now he gone can't help feeling 1t. They're al gone now but me. How did it happen ar?"
 That Is what wish to find cut" said, "and want your assistance There may be some circumstances con nected with your brother to account fo his death, which was an unusual one and of which will tell yeu presently Mr Stokes, did your brother ever try t' take his own life 2f
 "Nsver that 1 heard Of, sir. Bill wasA't enc of that sort. Nothing couls bring hin down low senough for that not even drink"
 Did any of your family2"
 "Not one"
 Isank back in my chair. My journey to London had been fruitless Th' slight hopes l had lately entertained, ii spite of my own reason, had bees but worthless shadows. There va DC hope for Claude Fancourt, no hop for Constance or fer me. Macham touched me on the shoulder
 "Don't be so down, sir" he said a low voice "Tell him asou, his brothe falling from the window, and the rson being upset, and the blood about just a you told me. Ooly don't say wor, about Fancour let him think that n, one was in the room"
 followed Macham's advice to the let ter, and Samuel Stokes listened atten lively. described graphically the stat, of the room, the tumb,ed furniture, ans the great pools of blood, and said nothin about Fancourt.
 can understand the blood, sir" sail Stokes, when had haished. Poor Bil used ts bleed from the nose somethinI frightful"
 lstarted as if had been shot. Her at last was a circumstance which migh lead to the establishment of F@court' innocence. The possibility that he va innocent dawned upon me for the 6rs time, and 1 was too overpowered witl excitement to speak. Macham took m. place