Waterbury evening Democrat., 1889-05-22
tion. she would see that he too was em-
 and that her subsequent words afforded him orrpat relief

afforded him great relief
 .'Of course" he said, with his aocus, toned composure, there will be all sorts of rumors afloat, but it will be just as well not to take too much stock in them. have a theory that I think, if followed up, will locate the criminal" Zelda started up at these words, and in stead of the indifference which she at
 first showed to Eckert's presence, she | manifested a sudden interest in him. | You have!' she exclaimed eagerly 1 Tell me-oh tell me what it is, Mir. Eek ert. It may relieve my terrible sus- 1 pense."
 She had hoped that this man would be l able to advance some idea that would 1 clear away the cloud of guilt which hung | over her cousin, and in her eagerness for some ray of hope she almost betrayed herself; but she was doomed to disap- l pointment, as Eckert declined to tell 1 what he knew.
 | He was shrewd enough to see at a glance that by keeping his alleged secret well in hand it would furnish She pretext | for many interviews and much impor- unity on the part of the millionaire's fair daughter, and he thought to himself that l 'S l ing to something that he had long since set his heart upon.
 l Eckerts refusal to let Zelda share his | confidence in regard to the theory that | might locate the criminal was polite and I firm.
 1 Ut is absolutely impossible for me to 1 tell any one at present" he said. t'It was given to me in the strictest confidence, | after had pledged my honor not to tell living soul; and while feel that you are entitled to ali the light that can be thrown upon this dark mystery, 1 am bound by my promise not to tell even you, because no exception was made, lest divulgence should defeat the ends of justice. Believe me-" he added, II shall leave nothing undone to bring the criminal to justice. Even though he were my own brother, Miss Carson, I i would yield him up to the law without pang, and gladly see him punished.' Her resolute, calm and tranquil face underwent a great change during the delivery of this speech. Eckert saw pain, anxiety, and unrest stamped on every feature, and felt his growing power; but he was prudent enough to know that the time was not ripe for him to profit by it. The dream of his life was to wed Zelda Carson. Hitherto she had been so far beyond him in social station and personal pride, that he had scarcely dared to hope that he would ever reach her, but now he felt that disaster had bridged the gulf between them, and brought her near him. The lines of suf- fering in her beautiful face inspired him with the hope that he might yet be able to coerce where he could not persuade, and while prete nding to sympathize with her, he rejoiced in his heart, or rather secretly gloated over her sorrow. Gan you not tell me whom you sus- pect?" said Zelda. 'I promise not to divulge the na ie, if you desire me to do sO."
 :!Please do not urge me, Miss Carson. l fear it is more than a suspicion, and when the name is known, the news will fall like a thunderbolt. For the present I must be silent, much as I would like to grant you any request"
 Eckert felt that he had scored q strong point, and was about to withdraw from the scene, when the chief of police, ac- companied by handsome young man, who appeared to be about twenty-five years of age entered the place.
 Zelda extended both hands to the young man. The tears which she had been struggling to hold back during her interview with Eckert could no longer be restrained, and with a sobbing cry she exclaimed:
 Edgar, Edgar, this is horriblel wha, shall do 2"
 F0lyn rL. young man thus addressed was favorite and friend. Zelda Carson had shown no such tenderness toward her fathers confidential book-keeper, and to an un. prejudiced eye, this fine-looking, broad, shouldered, and erect youth seemed worthy of any woman's confidence.
 Edgar Strong was young lawyer, re- oently admitted to the bar. In his youth he had been an office boy for Philip Car son, and his gentle, polite and pleasant manners won favor with the entire fam fly. The friendship then formed for the poor lad never lost any of it's warmth, and no one took a deeper interest in Edgar Strong's progress, or felt prouder of his splendid attainments, than did his wealthy friend, Philip Carson.
 He was deeply touched by Zeldas grief, which was so intense that he scarcely knew what words to advance for the pur. pose of asSuaging it. At length he said:
 'sMiss Carson, this is indeed a great blow, but you must meet it bravely. There is need now, more then ever, for the exercise of true fortitude. If I can in any way assist you, I want you to command me as you did in the old days, when found it such a pleasure to run errands for you. was on the point of coming of my own accord when l received your sad message"
 Eckert, who had deferred his exit, heard all this, and felt cnagrined to think that Zelda had sent for Edgar Strong. Already the confidential book-keeper was jealous of this splendid-looking young lawyer, and he therefore made III, his mind to strike sooner then than he: would have done had not Edgar ap- peared upon the scene.
 Accordingly, while Zelda was sobbing