Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1892-02-22

have any trouble? Do you know any
reason why she should wish to get
away from you?''
81 do not" was the reply. my wife
and 1 were on the best Of terms; we
never quarreled in our lives"
The detective looked puzzled. II
don't understand it," he said; sEthe
only theory that can advance is that
she has committed suicide, though if
you were on good terms there would
be no reason for her doing this.''
The detective spent week search
ing for clew, but could find none.
A systematic search was made for
miles around, advertisements we're
inserted in all the papers, but it avail
ed nothing. Nothing could be dis
covered. The disappearance of the
woman was as complete and unfath-
enable mystery as ever. Mr.. Mans
field grew pale and thin. He had
loved his beautiful wife as few men
do love, and the uncertainty attend
ing the disappearance of his loved
one made his sorrow all the harder
to bear. 1t was worse really than it
would have been had he known his
wife was dead. He was unwilling the
detective should give up the search,
and the week grew into month.
Two, three, four months the de-
tective kept at it. He exhausted
every resource, sifted every sem
blance of clew, and finally at the
end of five months, refused to work
longer.
cts waste of my time and your
money!" he declared, and Mr.. Mans
field reluctantly acquiesced in the de-
tective's decision.
''My OPINION said Mr.. Ferret, els
that your wife is dead. l think you
had better accept that as fact.'
''I will not accept that as true until
I know it is true" declared Mr.. Mans
field, and unable to produce proof
that his theory was the correct one,
the detective said no more, but babe
the sorrowing man goodby and re-
turned to the city.
A couple of months later, as he was
sitting at home, turning over in his
mind different cases that he had been
engaged upon, Mr.. Ferret's mind re-
verified to the Mansfield case and he
gave start, as sudden idea occur
red to him.
'I have it he exclaimed aloud
''I'll wager [ have fathomed the mys-
terry of Mrs. Mansfeld's disappear
ance! Why didn't I think of it before,
l wonder? Let's see," and he looked
at his watch, II have just time enough
to catch the train. I believe I'll run
down and put the matter to the test
at once.''
Two hours later Mr.. Ferret stood in
the presence of Mr.. Mansfield. The
detective was shocked at the change
in his late employer. He was aged
score of years and his hair, lately a
beautiful brown, was silvered with
gray. He had a hopeless expression
of countenance that was pitiful to see,
but frightened up a little at the sight
of the detective.
''Have you-do you bring me any
news? he asked, eargerly.
''Mr. Mansfield, wish to ask you a
question or two," said the detective.
''Do you know anything regarding
your wife's ancestors?"
"Only that they were excellent peo-
ple," quickly. 'I never heard aught
said against any relative of hers"
"Well, answer me this: Did you
ever hear of, or know of any relative
of hers being afflicted with insanity?"
This shot struck home. Mr.. Mans
fields face paled, and he reeled
against the wall.
"Her UNCLE" he gasped, els an oc-
cupant of an insane asylum now. My
God! Do you think-do you sus
pect-''
''That your wife was insane when
she disappeared SO mysteriously?
Yes, that is what I think, and now
would advise that the different es-
Establishments for the care of the insane
that are distributed throughout the
country, be looked thro' for your
wife; she might be found. Mind you,
I say might be found; my own opin
ion is that she is dead"
"We'n begin the search tomor
row." declared Mr.. Mansfield" Name
your price to help me and consider
yourself engaged"
The search through the different in
sane asylums began the next day, and
in private institution of this kind,
nearly hundred miles from home,
Mrs. Mansfield was found.
She was sane too as ANYBODY but