The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1886-11-26

Fl @ II
Harding studied the book for nearly halt
an hour. often making jottings on q sheet
of paper and referring again and again to
particular pages. He laid it down YEARLY
at last.
~ can do nothing with it," he sail. at is
evidently some very intricate form of cipher.
Such things are to be read however. and we
must have this read. We cannot afford to
lose any chance of hitting upon a clew."
But whom can you get to read itF
"We must think that over. Perhaps
Bielski may be able to give Us some assist
ance."
The next day was spent in q journey to
Barton at the request Of Eastmeai. From
Barton we went with Eastmead to Little
Lorton for the purpose Of seeing Smirke, the
chemist. That person Immediately recog-
nized the parcel found in the secret staircase
at the hall as being that in which he had
wrapped the strychnia sod 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 z" in the chemists own handwrit-
ing. There was, therefore, no longer any
"
strychnia at the time of the murder was
concerned, the evidence given against Daisy
at her trial had been absolutely neutralized.
Afidavits describing the discovery and iden-
LITIGATION of the parcel were duly made OH
the same day by Snirke, Eastmea1 and my
self before one of the Barton magistrates
Two days EASEL without any further
pro rress 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 at fever height, and
Harding had a hard task to keep me in any
degree calm or self-possessed l had not
dared to seek another interview with my
darling Until the question Of life and death
was settled in one way OF the other, felt
that to see her once more would only bo TO
torture her use,essly, and to rob mo Of the
little strength which l still had left. But
through the chaplain Of the jail l was in
constant communication with her. Every
day wrote to her. and she knew that was
living for her sake and hcr's alone.
This first Week, say, had come to an end
before we Heard anything more Of Bielski.
1t was Sunday evening, and was sitting by
myself YEARLY seeking for some fresh clew
which might hitherto have escaped my at
tehtion, when tn, detective was suddenly
uShcred into my room.
"Good evening, Mr.. Featon. I'm afraid
YOU think have been long time ever my
work; but il has been as stiff Job as l have
had for some time. The fellow has done
nothing but double ard take fresh names
II il had not been for that photograph you
lent me should have been bafiisd at last"
"And you-have you found himr l cried
eagerly.
| before bring him in to see you should like
| TO give YOU q hint / don't know whether
ycu1l find him willing witness or tho re-
yer e; but if tho latter just ask him if he
remembers Smith & Sharp, OF Gracechurch
street. That will fetch him soon enough,
sir. You SEQ he 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 tho room, when Harding,
who had Just heard of the detectives arrival,
entered, and in q few words was informed OF
the situation
"Let Rielsk make himself useful while no
is waiting" said Harding; "give him that
memorandum book"
I handed the little notebook TO the detec-
tive. He looked at it gravely.
II wonder if / can crack this nutl It's q
hard one; but I'll try"
We withdrew, and in two minutes the door
was opened, and Mr.. James Gregson entered
with the impudent smile upon his face which
I knew so well. Bowling with an air of
familiarity, which was not without a dis
tincs touch of insolence, he looked from me
TO Harding, as though inquiring 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 quite so much at his
ease as he wished to appear. / invited him
to take a seat. and gravely stated to him the
object had in seeking him out.
He looked at me with n satirical smile on
his lips when had finished my statement.
$50 you think can clear your friend Miss
Stancliffe, do youa'
II hope you can throw some light upon the
mystery that surrounds Mr.. Maueverer's
death"
He laughed outright. "Of course can do
that; but you have come 10 the wrong man
for information that will clear Miss Daisy.
Have you forgotten what / told you in the
railway train when you were on your way
to the old mans houseT
at Is precisely because / have not forgot
ten il that have desired to see you sgain.
You spoke then of a conspiracy to commit
murder want you to be kind enough to
tell me frankly what you meant by your
words You remember that you charged