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

ton. That young nobleman looked hag-
gard and worn out, 80 that in spite OF his
conduct, which had led to the murder OF
one woman and the self-accusation OF an
other, the detective felt sorry for him.
What do you want now?" he asked, ir-
ritably. Have you come to arrest my
wife,"
aYour wife?" said Dowker. pretending
to have heard this for the first time.
YES" replied Cailiiston, boldly; we
we're married in France, and she is now
my wife. I don't believe her guilty OF this
crime-do your"
Il told you this morning I did not"
said the detective, quietly. 1T was
| only statement made by her to save
you, because she thought you were
! guilty"
what do you say?" asked Calliston.
abruptly. =,
IF you had asked me this morning,
should have said the circumstances were
suspicious" said Dowker, smoothly, but
now I can say heartily that you are lnno-
cent"
How do you know I amp" demanded
| Calliston, ironically.
Because I have found out the real
| criminal at last-one believe to be the
real criminal"
Sir Rupert Balscombe2"
Yes, Sir Rupert Balscome."
Il thought so" said Cslliston, bitterly.
Il knew he hated his wife
And had he not reason?" asked Dowker,
significantly. Calliston flushed, ,andIturned
his face away.
I'm not saint" he said, in q low
voice, "and though my conduct may appear
to have been wrong, I could hardly help
myself; it would have taken q stronger
man than myself to withstand the teppta-
| tion."
And now2"
Now" replied Calliston, turning to-
ward the detective, Il have married the
only woman lever really cared about, and
We are going o tour round the world as
soon as she is well-that 10, if she ever
does get we'll"
rs she then 30 ill?"
Brain fever" replied Calliston, curtly.
Pm very sorry to hear it, replied
Dowker,, quietly, for she is noble
| woman.
Calliston made no reply, but flung him
self down on couch and buried his face
| in his hands, so, without saying another
word, Dowker left the room and made his
| final exit from Cleopatra Villa.
It was now about 4 o'clock in the after
noon, 30 Dowker drove to the Park lane
mansion and asked for Sir Rupert Balls.
combe. The footman told him the bafo-
net was out, but added, on hearing his
name, that Miss Penfold had given orders
if he called that he was to be shown into
the library, as she wished to see him.
Dowker was pleased at this, as he wanted
to ask May some questions, and followed
the servant in very pleased frame OF
| mind.
May Penfold was seated by small Ia
BILE talking eagerly to Mr.. Norwood. who
sat near her with pocketbook open on
his knee. When Dowker entered, May
arose aud went forward in curiously
eager manner. Her face was very pale,
and there were dark circles under her
eyes, but her features wore q very hope.
full expression, for she was now certain Of
saving her lover, though on the other
hand she might lose her guardian.
I'm 80 glad you re come, Mr.. Dowker,
she said, quickly. Mr.. Norwood and
myself have been talking over the posi-
tion of the case and we want your assist
ance."
Il will be delighted to give it, an
swered Dowker, gravely, taking a seat.
Il am anxious to make Mr.. Desmond
all the reparation in my power, as /
was the unconscious cause OF all his
trouble.
"You only acted according to your du-
ty." said Norwood, in business-like tone.
THE evidence against my client was very
strong, but the evidence against Sir Ru-
pert"
as stronger STILL" finished the detect
i've. Exactly; but We have to find out
that evidence. Lord Calliston and Nh.
Desmond can swear they saw him in
Picadilly following his wife, and the
latter saw him wrench the locket on
his wife's neck. Now, want to find
that locket, and also-if possible--the
dagger with which the crime was COM
mitted."
At this moment they heard footsteps
outside and a man talking, whose voice
May Immediately recognized.
Its Mr.. Ellersby," she said, quickly.
He has come to see Sir Rupert about my
marriage. I cannot meet him."
Neither can /, said Dowker, as want
to see Sir Rupert alone. Is there no place
where we can waltz"
Yes, here" said May. and walked to
the end of the room, where there was a
door leading to smaller apartment, be:
fore which hung curtain. Let us all
20 in here till he is gone"
Dowker and Norwood took up their hats
and went after her into the room, leaving
tie library quiet and deserted.
[To BE Continued