, 1891-07-19

Yes; but it's not open to visitors n
: this hour" returned Keppel, THROWN.
out his arm. Come some other time, j
you please. I'm ~engagedr' A he ut
tered the last word he glanced at OIym
) pia, and they both smiled with secre
happiness,
Very sorry but are your Mr.. Darkt
-Keppel Darke>' persisted the stranger,
advancing a step or two into the room.
II am; what do You want said the
artist. also advancing, with a frOwu.
I've told you that I'm busy. Isn't that
enoughr'
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
his voice. perhaps you'd better ask the
ladies to step out; it might not be pleas
II for them-you understandg'
Il don't understand at all!n exclaimed
Reppel. But | suspect You nave made
some everlasting blunder. I've nothing
to conceal from these ladies or from
anybody. What do you want? Speak
Outl'
Just as you please, Mr.. Darke, said
the other, drawing n 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.,
nnrlra ~ ra4,rnal H.. -
cts a serious thing, sir; couldn't well
be more so. You're acquainted with
Mr.. Harry Trent, aren't your
eyes"
Seen 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 said, speaking slowly.
There was n 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"
Darke closed his lips, and his chest
heaved. His face, after n moments pal
lor, 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 hysteric cries.
Darke slowly turned until his eyes rest
ed upon Olympia, who had remained mo
tionless aud mute.
"Do you believe it2' he said to her.
Nor she answered in n whispered
voice, drawing in her breath.
Then 10 matter for the rest. | am
innocent. Take your mother 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 at a
strange time, but I'm glad we under
stand each other"
ooh, it's an outrager' she cried pas
%sionately, striking her hands together.
You suspected of murder, and murder
ing hint He never did itl' she went ON
addressing the officer. lyon have no
right to arrest him. | love him.
My orders, miss the officer replied
with "a sigh, producing ~ pair OF hand
cuffs from his pocket. I'VE hope it'll
come out all right, of course. But the
formalities has got to be gone through
with. Hold out your hands, if you
please, sir"
There is no nerd of those" said
Darke, with an involuntary shivcr. Il
shall not try to escape. 1t is AS much
my interest to go rs yours to take me-"
Come, sir, we're wasting time!' ex-
claimed the other sharply. Here,
Tom!' H., second officer came forward;
in n moment the handouts were on
Darke's wrists. 'Inquest's for today"
he added, land | call it "A good job!
You'll go before the grand jury this
week, and in ten days Wen have you in
dicted, if they don't let you Oft Step
out, sir. Good day. ladies'"
And Olympia, standing horror strick-
EN-, saw her lover hurried from the room.