Waterbury evening Democrat., 1889-05-27
THE WATERBURY DEMOCRAT MONDAY MAY P. 1889

possessed in tho hands of his authorities, and it was sufficient to hang you"
 "And what did you tell him?" "I told him would never become his wife, and defied him to do his worst. I thought then that you were beyond his reach, but now"
 "Say no more, Zelda. I am beyond his reach even here, and defy the scoundrel He wanted you for a wife, eh2 The miserable coward, to propose himself for husband at such time and on such terms! I'm glad you rejected him. and have good notion to ham, mer the concsit out of him on sight, the | first time we meet"
 Don't do that; it would make matters worse," said Zelda. Besides, there's a detective here now, and think he is in the confidence of Eckert already. His name is Isaac Sawyer, and he is passing himself off as an insurance agent"
 "Tvc seen the animal. It has gimlet eyes, and they have already been direct- ed against me; but, Zelda, tell you they have no terrors for me. am guiltless of this great crime thank Heaven! know I have been bad, wild boy, but hand or tongue was never raised by me against my poor uncle, and I'll face the world on
 this issue against Eckert and all the
 rest"
 For the first time since his meeting
 with Zelda, Clarence was moved to tears,
 and burying his face in his hands, he
 wept bitterly.
 "Is it not painful enough to lose so
 good a friend in such a fearful manner"
 he sobbed, without being suspected of
 such d horrible crime?"
 Zelda felt more and more convinced of
 his innocence as she witnessed his grief,
 and the thought of his possible arrest
 now was even more distressing to her
 than it would be did she deem him guilty
 of the crime.
 "May Heaven pity us in this dark
 houE!" she said, earnestly, "and give us
 light for our guidance. Come, let us
 join our friends. Be true to yourself,
 and sober, and whatever fate befalls, you
 can count on a cousins love and devo.
 ton, at all times, as long as know you hare innocent of this crime."
 They left the room together, hand in
 hand. She did not shrink from him now |.
 Whatever the world might think, she
 was convinced Of the truth of Clarence's
 story, and if Eckert should ever ap-
 proach her again with any of his sneak
 ing suggestions of marriage ill considera-
 ton of his silence, she would boldly tell
 him to do his worst, as her cousin was no
 criminal. This thought frightened the great load that had lain on Zelda's heart
 ever since the fateful night when she found her father lying mortally wound } ed on the floor of his study. } As they turned slowly into the hallway
 after descending the stairs from Zelda's room, they were suddenly confronted by Detective Sawyer and Chief of Police Ward.
 II beg your pardon" said the chief o1 police, addressing Clarence, "but if you will kindly excuse yourself to your cous } in, there is a little business matter about
 which we desire to see you." "I have no business, gentleman" re
 joined Clarence, "that my cousin may l not hear or witness" ) Something told Clarence that this wal 2 no ordinary business transaction, but he l resolved on maintaining his equilibrium l as we'll as possible. Zelda, too, realized 7 thata a crisis of some sort was at hand, ant 5 she resolved to meet 1t bravely, what 5 ever it might be.
 "In this case, MT. Carson" said tht l chief, still speaking in a pleasant voice l i've would prefer to see you alone" 5 Zelda will excuse me-" he said, ant she left them together.
 l "The fact is," said the chief, after Eel 3 da was gone, "we have an unpleasan duty to perform. Information has beer ? lodged against you on the charge of mur
 der, and we shall be under the painful he l. cessity of taking you into custody" s Clarence never winccd. His interview ! 30 recently held with Zelda had preparet |, him for this ordeal, and he simply asked l. in a clear, firm voice:
 - "Who is my accuser?" l "That you shall learn in good time, t said the chief. 1T trust you will accom- r pany us quietly and obviate the neces
 sity of q scene"
 :. "Certainly, gentleman" said Clarence r "certainly; but I should like very mucl @ to see my cousin Zelda alone, and quietl. h break this matter to her. She is so dis r. tressed that shock might prove serious
 [ will return in few minutes" .~ S~- l. The request seemed so reasonable tha y neither Sawyer nor the chief interpose' d any objection. They wished to do thei d duty with as little friction as possible i the house of mourning, and they agree l. to wait for Clarence until such time a tt he could tell Zelda of his arrest. n When Clarence entered the room wher ,- Zelda snt awaiting him, he found tn @ light turned low and the window leadin d out on the porch half open. h "You are arrested" she said, "bu e don't be taken into custody for this crime O See there's the window; fly for life, an il you will be out of their reach befor Il they realize that you are gone" 1t "But can prove my innocence. Wh t, should go?"
 e 'sTo escape the disgrace of arrest, i'll 's prisonment, and trial for so black
 crime. It is enough for me to know ths " l will N-p