The Daily times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1886-1889, 1888-07-01
'TheMysteryoisHan@nOa
By FERGUS W. HUME
CHAPTER vi.

committed the murder The gentleman in
tho light coat had threatened TO murder
WHITE, even in the open street-tbes0 last
words being especially signiflcant-and there
was no doubt that he had carried out his
threat. What the detective had now to do
was TO md who the gentleman in the light
coat was where he lived, and, having found
ont these facts, ascertain his doings on the
night of the murder. Mrs Hableton had de-
scribed him, but was ignorant OF his name,
and her very vague description might apply
TO dozens Of young men in Melbourne. There
was ouly one person who, in Mr.. Gorby's
opiniop. could tell the name of the gentleman
in the light coat, and that was Moreland, the
intimate friend OF the dead man. nat
puzzled the detective was that Moreland
should be ignorant Of his friends tragic
DEATH seeing that the papers were full OF the
murder, and that the reward gave an excel
lent description Of the personal appearance
OF tho deceased Tho only way in which
Gorbv could account for Moreland's extraor-
binary silence was that he was out OF town,
and had neither seen the papers nor heard
any ono talking about the murder TX ibis
was the case he might either stay away Tor
M indefinite time or might come back after
few DAYS AT all events it was worth while
going down to St Kilda in the evening on
the chance that Moreland might have re-
turned TO town and would call and see his
friend. so, after his tea, Mr.. Gorby put on
his hat and went down 10 Postum Villa on
what no could not help acknowledging TO
himself was very slender possibility.
Mrs. Hableton opened tho door for him,
and I'm silence led the way into her own
sitting room.
They were barely seated when knock
came at the front door, loud and decisive, on
hearing which Mrs. Hableton spranS hastily
20 her feet. THAT may be Mr. Moreland,'
she said III never ave visitors in the
evenin'. bein' lone wilder, and if it is lin
III bring i'm in ERE"
She went out, and presently 0or5y, who
was listening intently, heard o mans voice
ask il Mr. Whyte was at home. mo, sir, ne
ANTI answered the iandiady. but there's a
gentleman in his room askin' after i'm.
Won't you come in, sirF
"For a rest, yes, - returned the visitor, and
Immediately afterwards Mrs Hableton APP
reared. ushering In the late Oliver Whytes
most intimate friend He was tall, slender
man, with a pink and white complexion.
curly fair hair, and a dropping straw colored
rnustache-al altogether strikingly arlsto-
cratic individual He was well dressed in q
fashionable suit Of check, and had cool,
nonchalant air about him.
And where is Mr. Whyte tonight;' no
asked. sinking into chair, and taking no
more notice of the detective than if he had
been an article of furniture.
Haven't you seen him latelyp asked the
detective quickly Mr.. Mcreland stared in
ah insolent manner at his questioner for
few moments, as if he were debating the adj
visibility of answering or not At last he
apparently decided that he would for slowly
pulling of one glove he leaned back in his
chair.
mo, have not" he said, with yawn.
al have been up the country for few days
and only arrived back this evening, so nave
I No, seen him for over a week. Why do you
ssSf'
Tho detective did not answer, but stood
looking at the young man before INN IN
thoughtful manner.
~ hope" said Moreland, nonchalantly, -
hone YOU will know me again, my friend; bui
didn't know Whyte had started lunau'
asylum during my absence. Who are youi'
Mr.. Gorby came forward and stood undei
tho gaslight my name is Gorby, sir, ana
am detective he said quietly.
"Ah, indeed" said horeland, cooily look
inc him up and down. What has Whyt'
been doing, running away with some ones
wife, ell. | know he has little weaknesses OF
that sort"
, Gorby shook his head
"Do YOU know where Mr.. Whyte is to b,
foundN ne asked cautiously.
Moreland laughed.
Not |, my friend, said he lightly. u
presume he is somewhere about here, as these
are his headquarters. What's no been doing
Nothing that can surprise me, assure you
no was always an erratic individual
andn-
"He paid regler," interrupted Mrs. liable
ton, pursuing up her lips
"A most enviable reputation to possess,
answered the other with a sheer, land ont
Pm afraid I'll never enjoy. But why all this
questioning about Whytef What's the matte
with himf'
"Hes deadr" said Gorby, abruptly
! All Morelands nonchalance vanished or
hearing this, and he started up out of hi;
chair.
dead" he repeated mechanically. "Whai
do you meanP
~ mean that Mr.. Oliver Whyto was mur
dered in hanson cab
Moreland stared at the detective IN a puz
gled sort Of way, and passed his hand acros;
his forehead
Excuse me, my head IS in whirl, h'
said, as he sat down again. "Whyte mur
dercd He was all right when | left him
nearly two weeks ago.
Haven't you seen the papersF' asked
Gorby
Not for the last two weeks" replied More
land. 81 have been up country, and It was
only on arriving back in town tonight that
l heard about the murder at all, as my land
lady gave me a CARRIED account Of it, but !
never for moment connected ii with Whyte
and came down here 10 sec him, as hac
agreed TO do when left. Poor fellow poor
fellow poor fellowW and much overcome
he buried his face in his hands
Mr.. Gorby was touched 10y his evident dis
tress, and even Mrs. Hableton permitted q
small tear to roll down one hard cheek as