Iuka reporter. (Iuka, Miss.) 1888-1894, 1890-05-22
CHAPTER XVI.

BEEcHwooD.
Where is Beechwood? 2" demanded
Arthur Wynne, of Chief Ludlowe the
next morning, as he entered the Office
at police headquarters.
Mr.. Ludlowe glanced up from the
morning paper, and elevated his eye
brows with slight, expressive gesture.
"Beechwood? My dear boy, which
one? There are half-dozen towns
answering to that rather romantic
name in different parts of the State. If
you tell me in what portion of the State
1t is situated, or give me some land
mark as a guide, l'll guarantee to set
you upon the track. But what is the
matter, Arthur? Have you" the Chief
tossed the morning paper aside. and
turned an eager, excited face upon the
young man, really found clewt at
last 2"
Arthur sank into the nearest seat.
Il think SOL hope so! Listen while
l explain" Which he did in few
terse sentences.
Ludlowe listened attentively. and
shook his head when the story was told.
Il have never heard the name Far
menti before" he observed; "but it is
probably assumed, and the Beechwood.
among so many, will not be easy to
find"
Give me list of them," cried
Arthur, eagerly. 81 will go to every
Beechwood on the map, one after the
other, until | find this Farmenti. who
ever he may be. My word for it, when
he IS found the rest will be compare
lively easy. Ludlowe, 1 believe can
see ray of light ahead. shall find
Ruby Lawrence yet"
And suppose you do?" interrupted
the Chief, gravely. "Granted that YOU
do lind her, poor girl, what then? Do
you forget, Arthur, that that hideous
charge still hangs like shadow over
her head?
That as soon as she would be dis
covered, her whereabouts known. she
would be placed under arrest: the
trial would follow. with its attendant
horrors; and do You imagine that Ruby
Lawrence could survive it? Arthur.
Arthur leave well enough alonel If
the poor girl is really alive, and hid
den at Beechwood, do not seek her
out!
"Let her live and die in peace, I'M
knownl 1t would be cruel Kindness
to bring her back to the world once
more, God knows! A kindness for
which she may live to curse you!"
Arthur arose and began to pace
slowly up and down the Office; his face
pale and anxious, his eyes full Of
moody light.
All at once he stopped short pale
and agitated.
u can't help It'll" he painted, hoarse.
". Il must find her, or at least, make
the attempt! ] will assume all
responsibility, | will take all the risk,
Ludlowe. know that Ruby will
never curse me for any step L may
Jake in her defense. She would know,
understand that it was all for hei
good. In short, | have made up nv
mind. / intend to visit every Beech. |
wood upon the mapla
Ludlowe whistled softly.
You will have your hands full!" he
Exclaimed. "But go ahead, Arthur; ] |
AVE no more objections to make. and |
lfter all, it is just what would do my
elf! Go at once, and heaven be with
Tou!"
He shook Arthur's hand warmly. I
The young man picked up o time table |
md began searching for Beechwood. /
There We're several towns by the name
vi within O radius of one hundred |
niles. From this superabmdance OF
5eechwoods Arthur selected the one
t the greatest distance. He started |
hat very night, and was absent three /
ays. He returned moody and disap-
'ointed. The name of Farmenti was
Unknown at Beechwood, and lie had ssot \
zen able to pick up single clew. lie
'as weary and discouraged, but no
natter.