Telegram-herald., 1889-11-18

w ny then ala not your fatner nave
property
He did; but he lost it in speculation. :"
cont Did your son leave propertyY'
"He must have left some, for during
the very last conversation / had with
him he told me he had been fortunate
in business during the past three years,
and had made some profitable invest
ments."
1--WE have not thought Of that" broke
in the sister, "orlly of this terrible muir
der and how TO clear up its mystery"
at ought TO be thought Of, though" !"
replied Holbrook gravely; 1.-The way 10 a
solving Of the mystery may be through
an examination of his business affairs.
Pardon me, were you and Mrs. Temple
ton dependent on your brotherT'
"No; when we became of age he re-
fused to take his share of the property,
but settled all on mother"
1T was not much when divided, he
said" broke in the mother, "but when
left as a whole it was more than enough
for Annie and myself"
"He studied law and was admitted to
the bar" said the sister, but, failing TO
get practice, he went into the real estate
business"
Had your son no very intimate
friend?"
"Yes, one; but he is in China now and
has been for year"
"Was your son engaged TO any young
lady or attentive to any one:"
"None that know of or ever heard of. a"
The sister confirmed this statement
eagerly. 1t was evident that both were
jealous of the supposititious young lady.
The young lawyer mused moment.
Finally he asked: Are you acquainted
with Mr.. Witherspoon?'
"Witherspoon? l never heard the
name BEFORE" replied the mother "Did
you. Annie?'
"No, never did"
"Nor person by the name of Ash
grove" continued the lawyer.
"No," said both together.
"Never knew or heard Of a young lady
named Flora Ashcrove?'
Never" said the mother.
"The name has a familiar sound" said
the girl wOnderingly. "Is she not a
fashionable young lady Of this city whose
name is in the papers frequently"
The lawyer smiled and answered,
eyes"
Stop" cried the girl suddenly. ~
recollect once when my brother was at
home lifted a coat he had thrown upon
a chair, and q letter fell from the pocket
signed Flora Ashgrove' handed 10 to
him and he said: An invitation ID a
dinner | went to last week-from one Of
my customers DO you have ladies for
customers? I asked. and he said: Quite
frequently, but this lady writes for her
uncle, who has been one Of my best Gus
toners"
Has BEEN" queried the lawyer.
That is the way he spoke. remem-
ber, for it conveyed the idea 10 me he
was so no longer. But why do you ask
these questions:'
There is nothing significant in them" :"
said the lawyer, seeing the interest he
had aroused. Il called at the house Of
Mr.. Witherspoon. who is doubtless the
uncle referred to by your brother, on the
day following tho murder. Miss Ash
grove seemed to be much shocked at the
murder, and said she was acquainted
with Mr. Templcton. In looking at this
matter and in trying 70 help you, am
Crasping at straws in every direction.
There IL no more significance in the
question concerning her than in the
others
But" he continued 81 have one
piece Of advice 70 give YOU end which I
must urgently and respectfully press,
and that Is that YOU take immediate
steps with regard 10 your sons business
and property. In that way YOU may
come upon revelations YOU little dream
OF now.
"What should we do2r asked the sister.
"You should consult a reputable law
yer. place the matter IN his hands. and
be guided by him
Are YOU not lawyerFf
"Ncs. am lawyer he replied. land
should he most happy 10 undertake your
case
Please do" pleaded the sister. I'VE
should have slch confidence in v01. You
are the only one who has been kind 70
Us in this sad business.
Then she biushed ROSY red. thinking
perhaps she had said too much and
HoibrOok actually biushed basauss she
hiushed
lie began 70 think the whole interview
was very unTrofessionaL So after tax
ing some memoranda and promising n
call unon them 81 the hotel where they
were stopping, the next evening. 70 re-
port progress, he accompanied them 10