Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1891-06-26


But the thought of Madeline being alone at
that lonely house troubled him greatly. The
dead woman had no sons OF daughters-all
the anxiety and responsibility connected with
EGr affairs would fall on the poor girl. The
next day he threw himself into the Scotch
Express, and started for her PARKWAY home.
On arriving there he found II occupied only
by the rough farm servants. They seemed in
a state Of wondennent, and voltbly question
ed CarTistOn as to the whereabouts OF Made
line. The question sent a chill of fear 10 his
heart. He answered their questions by 9th
ers, and soon learnt all they had to commune
cate.
Little enough IL was. On the morning aft
er the old woman's funeral Madeline had
gone to Calendar Ia ask the advice of an old
friend of her aunt's as to what steps should
now be taken. She had neither been TO this
friend, nor had she returned home She had,
however sent message that she must go TO
London at once and would write from there.
That was the last heard of her-all that was
kDONvn about her.
Upon hearing this news Carriston became
prey to the acutest terror-an emotion
which was quite inexplicable to the honest
people, his informants. The girl had gone,
but she had sent no word whittier she had
gone. True, they did not know the reason
for her departure, so sudden and without lug
gage of any descripton-true, she had not
written as promised, but no doubt they would
hear from her tomorrow. Carrston knew
better. Without revealing the extent Of his
fears, he flew back to Calendar. Inquiries
at the railway station informed him that she
had gone, or had purposed going, to London
but whether she ever reached IT, or whether
any trace of her could be found there, was, at
least, matter of doubt. No good could be
gained by remaining in Scotland, so he trav-
eled back at once to town, half distracted
sleepless and racking his brain 10 know
where to look for her.
'She has been decOyed away" he said in
conclusion. "She is hidden, imprisoned some
where. And | know, as well as il he told
me, who has done this thing. | can trace
Ralph Carriston's cursed hand through 1t
ALL"
/ glanced at him askance. This morbid
suspicion of his cousin amounted almost To
mOnOmania. He had told the tale of Made
lines disappearance clearly and tersely; but
when he began TO account for il his theory
was wild and untenabe one. However much
he suspected Ralph CaTiston of longing 10
stand in his shoes, | could see no object for
the crime of which he accused him, that of
decoying away Madeline Rowan.
but why should he have done this?" l
asked. ''To prevent your marriage? You
are young-he must have foreseen that you
would marry some day."
GARRISON leaned toward me, and dropped
his voice to whisper.
This is his reason" he said-''this is why
Y 10 ..,,I.
who has entirely misread my nature, and
seen n strong tendency to insanity in it. o:
course, know that you are all wrong, but I
know that Ralph Carriston has stolen my
love-stolen her because he thinks and hopes
that her loss will drive me mad-perhaps
drive me to kill myself. / went straight to
him-l have just come from him-Brand,
tell you that when taxed him with the crime
when raved at him-when / threatened
to tear the life out of him-his cold, wicked
eyes leapt with JOY. ! heard him mutter be-
tween his teeth. Men have been put in strait
waistcoats for less than this. Then | knew
why he had done this. | curbed myself and
left him. Most likely he will try to shut me
up as lunatc; but l count upon your pro-
tection-count upon your help TO find my
love"
mat any man coulu DE guilty OF SUCH q
subtle refinement of crime as that of which
he accused his cousin seemed to me, if NOT
impossible, at least improbable. But as at
present there was no doubt about my friends
sanity promised my aid readily.
"And now," i said, ''me dear boy, won't
hear another word tonight. Nothing can he
done until tomorrow; then we will consult
as to what steps should be taken. Drink this
and go to bed-yes, you are as sane as am,
but remember, insomnia soon drives the
strongest man out of his senses"
poured out an opiate. He drank IL obcdi-
emily. Before left him for the night 1 saw
him in bed and sleeping heavy sleep.
VI.