The Sunday tatler and Jersey City express. (Jersey City, N.J.) 1883-1886, 1886-07-11
ground. Come, DOR
s'Do you really mean it. miss?'
teMoan i'll I it,et do -

Talcott dashed into the sleeper, seized an
armful of coats, busters and satcheIs, and,
running along with the baggage car, seized
his gun. Then the editorial family bore
Charley Talcott away in triumph to good
supper in a neat dining room over the
office.
Cousin Charley of Omaha, and the guest
went riding and hunting with the resident
youhg folks, and duck shooting with the
County Clerk. Editor Bryant had s'inAu-
ence with the Court House ring"
Talcott's weeks visit heightened into
two. and then three weeks had been
passed by him 10 Lone Trees social swim.
Again and again he was tolL of the explo
sion at Critchley's. He was willing
listener to everybody's version of the
affair and quietly managed TO draw out
the narrators' theories,
George Bowling, only son of Morgan
Bowling, hotel proprietor, was chum of
Talcott's. At Critchley's bar he had been
one of the youthful drinkers, and heavy
one. Since the explosion he had appar-
emily reformed. Another intimate friend
of Talcott's was David Martin. Once these
two men were surprised at late hour of
the night. lowering like bats about the
scene of the explosion.
Miss Belle Bowling, Georges sister, was
The most beautiful and accomplished
young lady IN Lone Tree, vivacious
brunette, eighteen years Of age, and a
moving spirit in all social, charitable and
temperance projects. More than this, she
was the reputed heiress of a wealthy bach
elor uucle.
Ever since the arrival of Taleott, gossip
had been busy concerning the assiduous
attentions of the handsome fellow to his
cousin, Minnie Bryant-when their names
were mentioned, wise heads were shaken,
and coarse men made coarse remarks.
Il wonder if Edditur Bryant can't see
thro' a millstun?" observed Sandy Hollen
back to group of five in Whittaker's.
"Why .so2' asked Gabe Williams.
Cause tibet Talcott's all the time
flirtin' with bis cousin, and drivin' her all
round the country" explained Sandy.
His ceusinI'' said Willie Smile, the
postmaster's son, sneeringly. "Hai hap
"What's the matter with her bein' his
cousin?" asked Sandy.
''Oh, nothin but then I've seen cousins
afore; hel bel The cold, fat-footed truth
is, don't believe he's any cousin of the
Bryants at all. "
"Why so?" demanded Sandy.
"Why, don't he mail letter, and big
one, too, every night after 10 o'clock, in
the outside letter-box? Me an Jake Wam-
bold has seen him do it. | know his fist,
an the letters is addressed to Gineral
Gown, Omaha. GOWNS the great crimi-
nal lawyer"
During these revelations the face of
Gabe Williams became ashy pale, and his
thin lips twitched nervously.
rfThen once In while he sends letter
to the Bryanis. Cousins don't act that
way. And once he sent big one to Dave
Martin"
Gabe Williams walked about uneasily,
with head bent in thought. Belle Dow
ling, accompanied by Charley Talcott,
entered the store. The girl made few
purchases, paid for them, and was turning
from the counter when Talcott abruptly
said to Whitaker:
"Do you keep such thing as blasting
fuse2"
Eyes, sir" replied Whitaker.
''Let me have two yards.
AS Talcott said this. he gazed steadily
AutO JUG C4 CD Va 11CakO OVWil1Ss AC gil
flushed to the temples, and then grew
deadly pale. Talcott paid for his strange
purchase, and the two went directly to the
hotel. The parlor was vacant, and at
Talcott's urgent request Belle entered the
room with him
Miss Bowling" he said, "never before
in my life has line of duty been so PAIN
fully crossed with selfishness and-and
moral cowardice. Do you not compre-
hend?"
Belle Bowling partially arose from her
seat, her face for moment illuminated
by look of radiant heroism never before
seen there by Taicott, and then, trem-
blingly, shrinking within herself, she sank
back and buried her face in her hands.
Warm tears raiued through her white
fingers, and her 1.-THE, graceful body
swayed to and fro with emotion. At last
Talcott sat down by her side and took her
hand. For moment she allowed it to
remain in his, and then gently withdrew it.
Belle, he said, now speaking tenderly,
II have this night discovered the last link
in a chain of evidence which is to me,
individually, the most disagreeable l ever
encountered.
why should mans duty-his bust
ness, you might say-Decome dlsagreeaole
to him?" faltered Belle.
"Beg pardon, replied Talcott; ssbut to
what business do you refer? / may be
obtuse, but | am sorry for the infirmity. !"
You are detective, answered Belle,
quickly. yet in low tone, and with sig
nifioant glance at the door.
Eyes" answered Talcott, calmly, styou
have said it. I have played the spy on
you, on your people, on some Others; have
duped my friends, deceived my enemies,
wormed myself into family secrets, and at
the end of the hunt have found"
Whats"
dead sea apples and the bitterness Of
death"
Talcott crossed the room and looked out
on the murky night. He saw few men
lurking IN the shadows made bya flicker
ing corner street lamp. Soon he returned
and said: