The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1892-05-18

MY Goo! sa1o SaiiisIon' LIB 10 'ef.
rible!"
yes, replied Dowker, If it is true"
Don't you believe it2"
Not one word!"
CHAPTER XVII.
WHAT MyLEs DESMOND THOUGHT.
Impris onment is not calculated to raise
mans spirits, consequently poor Myles,
having now been shut up for some weeks,
was in rather dismal frame of mind.
Norwood informed him from time to
time Of the discoveries that were made,
so, in spite Of his quiIotic ideas concern
ing the promise he had made to Lady
Balscombe, there seemed every chance
that he would soon be released from his
perilous position.
After the discovery that Lady Balls
combe was dead and not Lena Sarschine,
Norwood, accompanied by May Penfold,
went to tell Myles about it in the hope
that this being the case he would now
tell all about his interview with the de-
ceased, and thus possibly throw some
light on the mystery. Myles was delight
ed to see MAY and clasped her fondly to
his breast. while Norwood, finding the
meeting Of two lovers somewhat trying,
er end Of the cell.
Myles paused moment, and was then
about to speak, when the door Of the cell
was opened and Dowker entered in state
Of suppressed excitement.
'Good-morning, Miss Penfeld and gen.
tlemen,' he said, rapidly. Il have some
news good news-for you'll"
4Abont what?" asked Norwood, GU
riously.
This Jermyn street case" replied
Dowker. II have been to see Lord Cal
liston, and found out his movements on
that night"
DO they incriminste him?" asked Nor
wood.
IF they did it would not much matter, +"
replied the detective, for ! have discov-
cred the real criminal.
WHAT" cried Norwood and Miss PEN
fold, while Myles said nothing, but fixed
his eyes eagerly on Dowker's face.
"Yes-she has confessed.
4She!" cried May. rs it woman2"
1T is-Lena Sarschine!"
LENA Sarsohine!" echoed the three in
astonishment.
The same. She has confessed that she
followed her sister on that night and
killed her through jealousy"
.What weapon did she use?" asked
Desmond, disbelievingly.
This, replied Dowker, and produced
the dagger Lena had thrown at his feet.
DO you believe this story?" asked Des-
mond, looking at Dowker.
AT first did not believe one word"
answered the detective slowly, but am
now doubtful, as don't see what she
would gain by confessing herself guilty
of q crime she had not committed"
Il can tell you what she would gain,
said Desmond vehemently. ~Yes-she
loves Calliston devotedly, and thought
you were trying to bring home the crime
to him. Did she ovsrhear your converse
tion?"
Some of it," admitted Dowker reluc-
tantly.
Then that explains ALL" said Myles
triumphantly. sShe thought Calliston
was in danger Of being arrested for the
murder, and swore she did it in order to
save him. Remember, she has an ex-
citable nature, and her nerves are over
strung with the horror of her sisters
death. Ten to one she did not know
what she was saying"
But this dagger" began Norwood.
"Pish!" retortsd Myles. Il don't be-
lieve that toy had anything to do with it.
Find out if it's poisoned, for I'll stake
my existence it is not. No, Lena Sar-
schine did not commit the crime"
You seem to be very certain" said
Dowker. Perhaps you can tell me who
did?"
Il can't tell you for certain" retorted
Desmond. but l have my suspicious
You wanted to know my reasons for moi
diyulging the identity of the deceased
he went on, turning to Norwood. II can
now give them, as this self-accusation OF
Lena Sarschine's is too absurd TO be al
lowed to stand. told you I did not see
Lady Balscombe again on that night. ]
told lie-I did. When I left the house
to follow her and see that she got home
safely went along Piccadilly. as tol6
you. Under gss-lamp I saw Lady
Balscombe standing talking to a man.
They we're quarreiing, and the mans
voice was raised in anger. Suddenly ]
saw the man put his hand to her throat
and wrench something away. Lady
Bslscombe gave cry and fed across the
street in the direction of st. James street,
followed by the man. They were swal-
lowed up in the fog, and saw no more Of
them. It was the direction they took that
led me into st. James street on that
night. II you remember, there was mark
on Lady Balscombe's neck, as if some.
thing had been wrenched off, SO you can
now understand the reason. believe the
man inflicted the fatal wound at the same
time. aas fed from him, went blindly
down st. James street, into Jermyn
street, and sank in dying condition on
the steps where she was found"
Did you recognize the manH" asked
Dowker, who had been listening intently
to this story.
Il did"
And who was it?" cried the trio.
"Sir Rupert Balscombe. said Myles.
May fell into Norwood's arms with
stiaed cry, but Dowker began to speak
rapidly:
aWhy, Lord Calliston also said he saw
him going after Lady Balscombe. BY
Jove! so he is the criminal after all.
What fool I've been-I'm off,"
Where to?" asked Norwood.
Il want to find out where the locket
and chain is that Sir Rupert wrenched of
his wifes neck"
CHAPTER XVIII.
WHAT DowKER DISCOVERED.