Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1892-05-19

though she had resolved to supplicate
the guidance of a wiser power than that
of earth, and when she arose her fea-
lures were transformed.
They were radiant with delight of a
new resolution.
My decision is TAKEN" she said in
Tomorrow 1 will
Harland. Had dreamed that an limo
cent mans life was TO be imperiled, had
1 caught but a glimpse of the future,
how different would my course have
been. But, thank providence, Ii is not
too late yet. she said.
That night Marian Oakburn slept
sweetly for she had resolved to throw
aside the burden which had weighed
heavily upon her mind and heart since
the night of her fathers murder.
Judith Kredge still continued to play
the part OF a spy on Marion, and she
had not relaxed her vigilance.
That night she stood with her ear to
the key-hOle, while Marion unconscious
" uttered her thoughts aloud. She heard
the resolution which the young girl had
made, and she trembled with excitement
as she listened.
AS she stole away from the door when
she had heard Marion retire, Judith
Kredge muttered:
She means TO confess. She will save
Harland. She will tell how 1 have
wrung her money from her, and 1 shall
be compelled TO return it. I must see
Levi.
She crept out of the house.
The night was entirely dark, and if
any emissary of the detective was on
the watch, he failed to see Judith
Kredge take her departure.
ha h. I arN In,
and she reached his retreat in safety.
Judith related to Levi what she had
overheard that night while she listened
at Marion's door.
$50 she would save Harland. That
don't suit me. I want him convicted.
That done, 1 am safe. They don't hang
two men for the same crime. And be-
sides, he used me like u dog, did that
Harland, said Levi.
IN tell you what is to be done, Ju-
dith said.
Then she lowered her voice as though
she feared she might possibly be over
heard by some concealed listener, and
made some statement which seemed to
startle Levi.
They continued to converse earnestly
for some moments, and then, when
Judith was about to go, Levi said, in a
resolute way:
1T shall be done tonight"
When Levi found himself alone after
Judith had left him, he stealthily made
his way to a resort where he knew he
could always find desperate, dangerous
men, who would undertake almost any
thing for money.
This night whereof we are writing
was to Paxton almost a sleepless one.
He reflected and considered regarding
Hkar fah hfls
searches had evolved.
Since the life of an innocent man was
now in positive peril, he did not mean tc
be deferred from doing his duty by any
consideration Whatsoever.
He believed it was his duty to cause
Marion Oakburn to explain her conduct
and since she had declined to do this
voluntarily, Paxton that night deter.
mined that she should explain, or hC
would arrest her.
At an early hour in the morning ht
visited Marion's home, and judith
Kredge admitted him.
q wish to see Miss Oakburn, " saiC
Paxton.
Very we'll; 1 will tell her, answered
Judith, and she started up the stairs.
4 will go up with you and remain
outside the young lady's room until sh,
appears, said Paxton, and he ascendet
with Judith.
The woman knocked at Marion s door
but as there was no answer, she opene,
the door and entered.
A moment later she turned to the de
tective.
Marion Oakburn has run away" sh
cried.
What Marion fed? Impossiblel"
1T is true, sir. She returned as usual
] IA fE nj I EnnUv no /
not in the house.
Paxton pushed his way into Marion
room and found that the girl he sOugh
was not there.
Judith followed Paxton into the apart
ment, and she said, as she glance,
about it:
She must have suddenly resolved up
on flight, for she has not taken he
clothing. Nothing, except the carmen
she wore, is missing"
Paxton regarded Judith with a sus
| piciOus, searching glance.
The woman seemed i'll at ease, h
noted.
Having satisfied himself that Mariol
was not in the house, Paxton left it an
repaired to his office, where he foun
StanmOre awaiting his appearance.
Well, Marion Oakburn has disap
peared, said the detective.
Disappeared" exclaimed Stanmore
Yes.
Explain"
In few words Paxton told his frien
and employer why he had determine
upon Marion's arrest.
He had proceeded thus far, whe
| StanmOre interrupted him.
But Marion Oakburn is innocent
Heavens You would not subject he
] to the disgrace of an arrest?" StanmOr
said.
a human life is at state. I have re
solved that she should explain her con
/ duct or would surely arrest her. YO
/ surely do not mean to ask me to stan
| idly by, and see an innocent man con
| victed while there is a chance to saw
him? You cannot mean TO ask to
that"
Stanmore was about to speak, bU
Paxton continued.
If she is innocent il will do her n
harm 10 tell the truth.
That is true"
Then why is she silent?"
4 cannot tell.
That is what meant she should ez
plain.
Then Paxton went on to tell of hi
visit to Marion Oakburn home, and c
the discoveries he had made there.
1T seems that she has fed, and ye
there is a doubt in my mind, he said
| conclusion.
What! You think it possible that sh
did not leave Of her own free will?"
Yes"
Then you mean she may have bee
abducted"
That Is my idea. 1t Is possible tina
the safety of the real assassin or assas
sins demands Marion Oakburn's disaI
pearance."
I am sure you will learn when tn
truth is known that Marion has not vol
UNFAIRLY left her home. But am in tn
dark as to how her absence can save tn
guilty"
$50 at present I am. But Marion mui