The Arkansaw traveler., 1886-03-13

r.ncourt complied without any hesita. .;on This Is the substance of his history. Te had met William Stokes, who was .ssn a billiard marker, in London six -nonths since. Turf transactions had ,srovu them much together, and Stokes S.d acquired some information through vhich he and Fancourt had won money. In consequence of this success a partner .hip was struck up between the two men, and together they attended the different race meeting with varying success. Lat te,ly fortune had been against them, and Stokes, who appears to have been bad ,emoered fellow, became very quarrel some. The races at Edinburgh had at- ,racted them some week or ten days s;nce, and 1t was agreed between them that at the termination of this meeting ,he partnership should be dissolved. Ac- cording to his own statement, Fancour vas tired of the not very reputable life, and vas heart sick of the association with such questionable characters. His inten- tion was to pay short visit home. and then ship for a new country, New Zea- land or Australia. At the Edinburgh ra. ces they were unusually successful, and together won nearly ESo. Stokes, who vas purse-bearer, began, not only to ex- hibit an obj scton able spirit when asked for money by his partner, but to spend the little hoard in aissip 4tion himself In copseQuence there was considerable dis satisfaction on Fancourt's part, and the two men had exchanged violent words very frequently. On the fatal evening Faneourt, on account of Stokes reckless prodigality, demanded that the money should be given up to his own safe keep ing. They had both been drinking deeply. Stokes resisted, but Fancourt quietly laid him on the floor, and took the money from his pocket. A very violent atercation ensued, but the quarrel was soon made up, and more drink was sent for. Eventually they both turned into bed very drunk. That was all Fancourt remembered up to the moment he was rossed by the policeman.
 When the tale vas concluded, Con- stance asked question that was about to ask myself
 How then did Stokes meet his death 2'
 "l cannot possibly imagine" replied Fancourt, with look of stra nge perplex- ity; and as watched his pale, anxious face the q aestion occnred to me, "Is il possible fer a man to commit a murder under the infl uence of drink and have no distinct recollection of it?' Either tha, question must be ans wered in the affirma. tive, or else FAncourt was a sublime actor.
 "Were it not for the blood about the room it might have been suicide" he sad drearily, after pause.
 Constance, who had remained in silent dejection for some moments, eagerly caught at the idea.
 He must have committed suicide, she said decidedly; "there is no other way to account for it. Ralph" turning to me, "we must 6nd out the mans fam. fly; it may have the suicidal mania That poor fellow may have attempted i before once prove that and the rest vii be easy"
 Although fally believing in the hope. lessness of the task of proving Claude Fancourt's innocence of murder, caugh, thankfully at Constance's suggestion. longed for action, for a means of sho wing my eagerness to help her.
 "Yes," said, "we will trace out hi: antecedeats ;" then to Fancourt "tel me all you know of them"
 know absolutely nothing of them, was the disappointing answer.
 Nothing at all? Can yOu give me nc clue2"
 "l know he had brother in London, he said, suddenly remembering; II have heard poor Bill mention hlm severa times. His name is Samuel Stokes, aad he was either waiter or barnan at the
 Tavern in Fleet street."
 Alter Constance. who was now com. parstively cheerful, had assured hel brother that his innocence would b, brought to light, and had affectionatel] taken leave of him for tho present, ", came away, and put Constance into { cab to take her home.
 Ralph you will work hard for him won't you?' she said as we were parting "You know it will be working for me
 did know it. 1 knew that the hopt of my life and the hope of his innocenc' wsre terribly linked together. had nc hope, but succeeded in disgusting n! despair.
 -You may trust nc. dearest" said earnestly. am 4oinS now 10 put III case In the hands of lawyer, and then will take the night train to London, t search out the dead m sn's brother"
 PART III.
 The lawyer l applied to was man O considerable note, and a personal frieat of my own. He had, of course, heard al the particulars of the tragedy, and whel stated my wishes he looked grave.
 You are askisg me to undertake al utterly hopeless case" he said.
 But we mast not allow it to be hope less," cried desperately. The happi ness of my life depends upon this man acquittal."
 "I siacerely hope that you exaggerate said my friend, "for if not, you are to b pitied.
 did not think it necessary to explain but proceeded to state ny intention o going to London that night with the ob ject of finding Stokes brother 1; and sec ing how much h earnest was, my friene promised to undertake the case