Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1891-05-22

step nearer and held out his hands,
Don't let me he mistaken again!" he
said, below his breath.
Our unprecedented acts are meal
culable. Olympia did not know how it
happened; still less did she hear her
mothers dismaved eXpostulaticn, She
only knew that she was in keppel Darke's
arms and that he had kissed her. Had
any one told her ten minutes before that
such thing could occur she would have
been indignant. AS it was she found it
strangely agreeable
But after Il few moments she extri-
Gated herself and caught her breath.
who told you that story about met' she
asked
Your Cousin Harry himself" he re-
piled. Il saw him last night and asked
him whether | might tell you that |
loved you. lie said that IL would be
better not, for he intended marrying YOU
himself. | WAS so angry that | could
have killed him, and ever since them
Pardon me- said strange voice,
proceeding from broad shouldered,
blnt featured man in The doorway. lis
this Mr.. Darke's studio
Yes; but it's not open to visitors at
this hour" returned Keppel, throwing
out his arm. Come some other time. if
you please. I'm engaged" As he ut
tered the last word he glanced at O'vm-
pia. and they both smiled with secret
happiness.
" cry sorry; but are your Mr.. Darlle
-keppel Darke| persisted The stranger,
advancing II step or two into the room.
II am; what do you want" said the
artist, also advancing, with a frown
give told you that I'm busy. Isn't that
enough;"
I'm afraid that won't do in the pres
ent case, Mr. Darke," answered the
other, standing now within arms length
Fact is, | have some very particular
business with YOU" he added, lowering
ais voice. perhaps you'd better ask the
ladies to step out; it might not be pleas
ant for them--yOu understands
Il don't understand ut all" exclaimed
keppel But | suspect you have made
'ome everlasting blunder. I've nothing
% conceal from these Indies or from
anybody. What do you want? Speak
Outw
just as You please, Mr.. Darlie," said
the other, drawing a paper from his
pocket. Il have a warrant here for
your arrest
Dear me" calculated Mrs. Raven.
"Olympia, we really must
Keppel lifted his chin and laughed.
"My arrest!' he repeated. You have
come to the wrong place. owe nobody
anything. You owe me an apology!'
"This isn't an action for debt Mr..
Darke," returned the stranger grayely.
cts serious thing, sir couldn't well
be more SO. You're acquainted with
Mr. Harry Trent, aren't you;'
Yes"
"Seon him lately, haven't your"
81 saw him last night at his new
house. What Of it,
The stranger fixed his eyes upon him.
"Mr. Trent was found dead in his study
this morning." he sad speaking slowly.
There was knife through his heart-a
japanese dagger with a carved handle.
And it is my duty to arrest you on sus-
picion of numbering him"
DarEe closed his lips, and his chest
heaved. His face, after moments pal
lUr, flushed red. The officer watched him
narrowly, and now a second officer ap-
peared in the doorway. In the rear Of
the studio Mrs. Raven had dropped into
a chair and was emitting hystcrc cries
Darhe slowly turned until his eyes rest
ed upon Olympia, who had remained mo
houless and mute.
do YOU believe it," lie said to her,
no" she answered in whispered
voice, drawing in her breath.
Then no matter for the rest. l am
innocent. Take your mo,ler home"
She came forward with her arms out
stretched, but he waved his hand.
Not while | am Suspected he said.
at won't last long. This comes % a
strange time, but I'm glad We under
stand each other
"Oh, it's an outraged" she cried pas
sionately, striking her hands together.
you suspected Of murder, and murder
mE him lie never did it, she went on,
addressing the officer. ''You have 10
right to arrest him. love him"
My orders, miss" the officer replied
with sigh, producing "a pair Of hand
cuffs from his pocket. I've hope I'LL
come out all right, Of course. But the
fornal.tios has got to be gone through
with. Hold out your hands, if you
please, sir
There is no need of those" said
Darke, wi,h an Involuntary suiYer. 81
shall not Try to escape. II is US much
M Interest TO go as yours TO take me-