San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1889-12-05

and did not offer encouragement, de
was somewhat embarrassed, and would
have felt awkward, if Mr.. Witherspoon
had not asked him to join them in their
refreshments.
In declining on the score of having a
friend from whom he had parted only to
pay his respects to them, he was enabled
not only to regain self possession, but to
recognize in the gentleman Tom had de-
scribed as IAN old file" one of New York's
first lawyers.
By no means pleased with Flora's re-
ception of him, he determined to give her
a rap before parting from her.
Lowering his tone he said:
II did not see you at the funeral OF
your relative"
"Who?" she said, with lazy surprise.
"TempletOn-your remote relative"
sob, did say he was a remote rela-
tive?" This was said with haughtiness
not unmixed with contempt, as she Ian
guidly famed herself. She did not deign
to explain why she was absent.
Holbrook found himself growing red
and angry, when to his surprise he saw
Flora straighten up quickly, while an
anxious, even frightened, expression
swept over her face. She looked in
tently behind him.
He turned and saw gentleman fash
ionably clad. He did not know him.
He turned to Flora. She was gazing
at him (Holbrook) fxedly; there was a
worried, inquiring expression in her
eyes; her color was coming and going
and her chest heaving, her mouth slight
ly open.
Apparently she paid little or no atten-
ton to the new conner, who was greeting
the others of the group.
Holbrook noticed the change in her de-
meanor and was surprised; so much so
that he said bluntly and awkwardly: Il
bid you good night, Miss Ashgrove," and
bowling to the others returned to Tom.
"What passed between your" asked
Tom.
Nothing of any moment. She treated
me outrageously."
He then gave Tom literal statement
of what had passed, save her curious
manner toward him at the end.
He was distracted, and did not hear
what Tom was saying, but stealthily
watched the group. He could not fail
to notice the extreme nervousness in
Flora's manner, and that she was urging
their departure 1t was quite evident
the rest were comfortably enjoying
themselves and not disposed to leave.
Finally Flora said something to the
newcomer and he arose, stepped to her
side and offered his arm. She took it,
and they walked toward the front on
the Broadway side and sat down out of
view.
Holbrook followed them with his eyes.
Suddenly he slapped his hand on his
knee.
"By Jove, Tom, I've an idea"
"Jot it down, my boy" said the i'm
perturbable Tom; sometimes they are
valuable"
Its suspicion"
"Ah, that is valuable, especially in the
enterprise we have entered upon"
Eyes, by -siim-dark hair
complexion-handsome profile-straight
nose. By Jove!"
"What the deuce are you muttering
about
'Did you see that man who joined the
WitherspoOn group while was talking
with Flora?'
Yes, handsome fellow. Who is he?''
Il have a suspicion he is the MUIR
derer"
'The devilr'
mo, the murderer"
"What makes you think so?"
Il don't think; suspect"
"Ah, nice distinction. What makes
you suspect
You recollect that in my interview
with Flora she inquired particularly
about the man | saw running away, ask
ing me whether he was tall, slim and
dark cOmpleXioned."
Very we'll"
well, this fellow answers to the de.
scription."
$50 he does. How did they address
him when he came up?"
Il only heard them call him Harry"
"On intimate terms with the family,
then"
THAT accounts for her curious manner
when he joined Them" said Holbrook
musingly.
what is that"
Holbrook described how Flora con-
Quoted herself.
Thunder, the suspicion takes form.