The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1892-09-25
CHAPTER XVI.
THE RUBY RING.

stood Sir UaWTeuCe, leaning on uls NV 10
crutch stick the Rat had concealed about
his body this necessary adjunct to the as
sumption of his part of the cripple, which
part be had planned to assume somewhat
lesurely the next morning. as soon as an
opportunity presented itself after the dis
covery Of the robbery, calmly waiting fo-
admittance
"Heigh dayg" he said, in a tone OF sur
prise. whats the matterl Has every
one gone to bed at this early hour 1t was
only about $50 o'clock, or are you all play
ing at hide and seek"
''The gas got turned out by mistake, Sir
Lawrence, said Wilson. striking a match,
and Fastening to turn on the lights again.
But this only showed a picture which
moved the bsronet apparently to still fur
Their establishment.
Yet even his share OF that feeling was
nothing to that Of Royal, who was abso-
lutely struck dumb at his partners move,
and its probable consequences, for be under
stood that had the Rat recognized Leo be
would never have done this trick, whatever
the motive. which just then was a perfect
enigma to him.
The danger was terrible, the discovery of
the whole trick inevitable.
Royal felt his craven heart sinking with
in him at the prof. able issue Of the next few
moments. and he would have assured safety
by fight but that his fear made him too
glddy and sick to stir at all.
Yet in the midst II it all be could feel
ferocious sort Of joy that il Leo would be
freed OF the guilt OF one crime he would, at
least, suffer for the other For Royal sur
missed that had the Rats object in tnis
tour dc force been merely TO exculpats the
lad from blame. he would have restored the
money 10 its place in making his escape.
He did not understand that the Rat had
put the idea aside as more likely TO point TO
Leo's gullt-at least in intention-than IL
the affair remained mystery. Besides the
man Of iron will felt be could establish the
lads innocence as easily by far more simple
me ms
He therefore proceeded to do 50.
Entering the library he advanced to |
where Mr.. Haviland in a complete state OF
collapse had sunk in heap into a chair,
while Leo at the word which went round,
The MASTER" knowing that there was no
need Tor him now to accuse himself, that
his own folly would do so. drew back into
the room, dropping his head on his bands,
afraid even TO look at his acouser. The |
baronet began with an ingenious smile: |
"My dear Haviland, l must apologize for
my carelessness in not giving up to you the |
key Of the safe 1t is here" and the baro- |
net unlocked his desk, and taking OUT the |
safe key opened that, then turned, and as il |
for the first time saw the policeman, who in |
all the confusion had retained his position |
and hold upon his prisoner, aud Nell, who |
was cliuging to her nurse, and CRYING with |
terror.
'Why. what's thisF he asked. ''Nellp
His first thought for bis child-goinR to her
and reassuring her by putting his arm round
her-she cllnRlng to him in her uEdehued
fear. Mr. Forresterm
Royal, struggling to gain power to fly,
looked up eagerly, with the conviction that
now the lad would suffer his share of the
punishment, which, by this move of the
Rats was threatened.
"You know this gentleman, sirp asked
the policeman, shaking himself up to his
duty, but teeli & still very dazsd, by the
conviction within him that IL any one was
likely to regret the nights work IL was he
IN having missed the opportunity of solving
as great mystery as any he had ever come
across.
Il know himp repeated Sir Lawrence,
with a smile, 81 think as he is the secretary
whom have just engaged, and whom ap-
pointed to an important office, 1t is only
likely l should"
Royal once more lost his assurance, and
stood staring at his partner as if he had been
mailman, while young Leo, utterly taken
Rback by this sudden turning of the tables.
this rescue from q danger which seemed in
evitable, felt JOY harder TO bear even than
disgrace. His senses seemed leaving him,
and he stood like one bereft of all knowl-
edge OF what went on around him, trying i'll
vain to lift his head to look at his benefactor
and TO express his untold gratitude at such
perfectly lnexplicable generosity.
"Y on mean that this Is your writinRm
said the policeman, withdrawing from his
pocket the letter which he supposed to have
been forged.
''Of certainty 1t H." replied the barones
II am sorry II my very poor hand has led
70 any doubt upon the point. What is this
mysteryl Pray some one, be coed enough
to explain"
Leo's heart sank again. Itssemsd to him
that whatever the unaccountsble motives
which had prompted Sir Lawrence to
shield him, so far his attitude must change
when he learned that he Neol was not only
pretender, but to all appearances, at least,
thief.
but in reply to Mr.. Haviland's confused
account OF the whole circumstan of the
ease, the baronet ranged himself even vet
more determ1nedly upon the side Of his pro-
tege.
You accuse Mr.. Forester Of being in a
plot to rob me Of the money! be said with
grave astonishment- "Impossible! | will
not listen to such a gross piece Of iniusticel
why no ulu uOJ even know that IL In
the house, nor the cause of his being nut on
guard in this room. purposely abstained
from telling him"
But where is the money! What has be-
come OF it," asked poor Mr.. Haviland. The
thing must be explained. The money was
left In here with uim, and it is gone now
There must be some trickery."
There is" said Sir Lawrence. ouietlv
holding up the glass in which were the re-
mains Of the wine which the butler fln-
happy scapegoaD had carried to Leo. and
which betrayed slight color unnatural to il
Inc TACT created a profound Impression.
and had Leo been able to lift his head he
wouId have met glances of apology and
contriAon, in the place of those of suspi-
cIon and disgust which had hitherto been
cast upon hun.
Seeing how every moment 81 was be-
coming more aud more dismayed, Sir Law
renee ADDED sort OF Jobs comfort
prompted by the humor of the whole mat
teF' now that it was so nearly accomplished
successfully.
You would indeed have been luckv.
constable, If you had caught the right in
stead OF the wrong man. As itisyou need
not De downhearted. You are not the first
IN the force who has broken his teeth over
Que OF the Rats hard nuts"
ne RatT was the general chorus. I'm