Mexico weekly ledger., 1890-04-10

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 "an old file" one of New York's
first lawyers.
By no means pleased with Flora's re-
cep:ian 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"
"Oh, did l say he was a remote rela-
tiveT' This was said with a haughtiness
not unmixed with contempt, rs she lam
| 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 a gentleman fash
ionably clad. He did not know him.
He turned tt Flora. She was gazing
at him (Holbrook) fixediy; 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: 81
bid you good night, Miss Ashgrove," and
bowling to the others returned to Tom.
"What passed between you?" asked
Tom.
Nothing of any moment. She treated
me outrageously."
He then gave Tom a 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 stealthiy
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 Joye, Tom, I've an idea"
slot it down, my boy" said the i'm
perturbable Tom; sometimes they are
valuable"
Its a suspicion"
"Ah, that is valuable especially in the
enterprise we have entered upon"
Eyes, by Observation-Disclosures hair
complexion-handsome profle-straight
nose. By Jove!'
"What the deuce are you muttering
about"
"Did you see that man who Joined the
Witherspoon group while I was talking
with F1ora?'
Eyes, handsome fellow. Who is he?'
81 have a suspicion he is the muir.
derer."
"The devil"
"No, the murderer"
"What makes you think sol"
81 don't think; I suspect"
"Ah, a nice distinction. What makes
you suspect"
"You recollect that in my interview
with Flora she inquired particularly
about the man I saw running away, ask.
ing me whether he was tall, slim and
dark complexioned."
every we'll"
"Well, this fellow answer to the de
scription."
$50 he does. How did they address
him when he came up"
81 only heard them call him Harry
son intimate terms with the family,
then"
"That accounts for her curious manner
when he joined them" said Holbrool
musingly.
"What is that?:'
Holbrook described how Flora con.
Quoted herself.
Thunder, the suspicion takes form
1t is something to work upon"
ave must learn who he is"
THAT is easy; wait for me a minute
Tom hastily disappeared in the direc
ton of the elevator. Holbrook leaned
back, smoked his cigar, and ponderet
on the situation. Tom joined him in 6
short time, and said: "Come with me tt
the elevator"
They went off together, and then &
man stepped up to them.
He was a medium sized, thin man
cheaply clad, with sharp features ane
small eyes.
"This is my friend Mr.. Holbrook. Il,
will point out a man to you. We wan
to know who he is, his name, residence
haunts, business-all that you a fins
out"
Every well" said the man.
"Follow Holbrook."
The two entered and seated themselve
} at a point where they could observe tn
Witherspoon group without being seen
They had hardly seated themselve
when Flora and the maj in whom the,
were SO much interested joined he
friends again.
"That is the man." said Holbrook
1.-THE one who has that handsome lad,
/ on his ARM"
. "Miss Ashgrove." said the man.
2 "Yes, you know her, I see."
Eyes, and the man too"
: "Oh, let us go to Mr.. Bryan, then"
They went out without being observed
for Flora's back was turned to them
They found Tom at the elevator and wen
down stairs.
HE knows him." said Holbrook t
' Tom when they were on the parement.
. "Who is hep asked Tom.
"Mr. Fountain-Harry Fountain"
. "What is hey'
Fashionable young man-member @
Union club"
"Where does he live?'
' "eThat l don't know. I've told Won nj
9 I do know"
: "Then find out everything you ca,
about him. l sla'n't want to see VIC,
until you bring lie the information
ffff will tn q r.