The morning call., 1891-03-08
CHAPTER III.

Eyes, come in," said Mr. Marsden, busy
over some notebooks, then rising quickly as
the door opened, "What, you at last. Ger
adinel All, and you, too, Mr.. Romaine?"
as he saw the tall figure which followed his
agent.
I'VE met on the STEP" she said, easily.
''Mr. Romano was coming for some news,
no. liking my long silence"
MarSden laughed little. "Ah, sir, you
see these things are slow work generally
take a seat, sir-but l hope my clever as
sistants return does not mean failure"
NO, | think not" Geraldine said,
slowly, as MarSden turned toward her, and
his smile gave place to an intent, or was it
q startled look. Il have got on the right
trail, which, as expected, goes back many
years-thirteen, in fact. Step by step have
traced out, and hold ready, proofs of guilt
against a man who was engaged to Miss
Carr, who came from and went back..for a
time to Russia
Yes" said Marsden. leaning back easily
in his chair; "but stay, my dear girl, this is
surely all very painful for Mr.. Romano to
hear? Perhaps, sir, you would prefer to
wait in the Office till"
"No; l will stay and hear" said Romaine
and, rising. stood leaning against the man
tel-piece. He was deadly pale, but his
eyes were burning as they still covertly
kept their watch. Go on, Miss Laval"
She left her seat and came to the solid
writing-table at which he sat. resting her
white firm hand upon 1t.
"His name," she said, as if making her
ordinary report after absence, was Leo
pold Langton. He returned TO England six
years ago, or at any rate 1t was then he set
up in business in London under another
name and identity. l will give you details
later, but it is probable that this change was
in pursuance of the revenge lie had sworn
against his victim, whom he meant to Seek
out and destroy. He always denied ever
having been in Russia-as part of his plan
to snap all threads Of identity. Of course"
"Of course" repeated Marsden, smiling,
''Well, then, you seem to have got on so far
as cleverly as uSual-always my right hand,
eh?-but the whole thing is yet far from
complete, | gather. You have yet to find
this Langton himself" There was the sus-
picion OF a sheer in his tone and glance.
'.She has found himl Before God and
man | accuse you of the murder of Mar
garet ROmaine!"
With one step forward and outstretched
hand-an unconscioGsly dramatic figure
the dead woman's ayenger confronted her
assassin with that stern denunclation before
which even the gulltieSs might we'll have
shrunk in startled horror MarSden Sprang
to his feet, graSping the back OF his heavy
chair, his face liyid, the moisture IN great
drops on his forehead.
WHAT" he gas. ed hoarsely-then with
a sudden desperate rally turned upon his
agent, striking his clenched hand on the
table.
"What cursed folly and mistake have you
made at last, girl?-you of all peopleI Why,
if there were nothing else, l can prove an
alibi l was in this house the night OF the
murder-in bed and asleep before II, and
you saw me yourself before the next
mornng-had to wait whilst dressed"
Geraldine made an imperative sign OF
silence to Romaine, but kept her eyes, with
a curious watchful look in them, nXed on
the elder mans face.
"Yes. | know that" she said slowly, de-
IiDerately, but for all that you were not IN
this house at all between II O'Clock and B.
for l was here. Stay, don't deny again till
Won hear me out Mr.. Marsden. had come
from a case l had in charge then. 1t was OF
the utmost Importance to the business in
hand that | should see you that night L
came on here direct; policeman saw me
20 to this house door. Ii was not barred up
as when you have retired, for entered with
my latch-key as II struck. lighted
candle, and looked for you on bare chance
all over the house, except in old Mrs. Leafs
attic-eyery other place l looked into; l
knocked loud at your chamber door
81 sleep sound" said Marsden, sitting
down, and with an evil smile.
''But as / got no answer | opened it and
looked init also was empty, Mr.. Marsden.
You were absent. / waited in this room
until 3, reckoning you would surely be home
then. You were not, and left to get some
food and rest. | came to you, as You truly
knowledge of your late absence-it Is best
sometimes not 10 know too much"
VERY consderate of you," interpoSed
Marsden, with fierce sheer; but such
story would look respectable for you if
/"
"You devil, be sientw said Romano be-
tween his teeth, with such fierce passion
that the girl interposed quickly, her cheek
flushing:
"Hushl what matter? I have no name
to be lost in the worlds eyes l have simply
my duty to do and speak. Now. Mr.. Mars
den, am going to fetch in the police and
Mr.. Romano Will guard you till we re-
turn"
The prisoner glowered at her, then said
sullenly: stop! tell ms the evidence you
bring against me. For all you have hurled
is none worthless"
'Is il? There is no time to waste on
words, but this much l will tell you-the
most fatal if silent witness which links
Leopold Langton with George Marsden
and George Marsden with Mrs. Romaine's
murder is the handkerchief with the faded
red mark"
The man leaned back in his chair as she
moved to the door.
you traitressv' he said savagely, and
never spoke or stirred again till she came
back with the two police officers to make