The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1893-01-25
CHAPTER XIII.

CHAPTER XIII.
My intention was to seek out Abner
Ketcham, the great detective and laying
all had learned before him, ask for ad-
vice in the premises.
My mind had become so confused that
! hardly knew what was about
Most certainly needed consultation
with some one.
knew where his Office was, and In
this direction bent my. steps as soon as
I had left young Seabury. ...
Although was seeking aid, had rea-
son to be proud Of my work. Perhaps
the old detective. might feels called upon
to compliment me, something he seldom
did.
reached his Office.
A rap on the door brought Kim out.
@Ah, Doctor, is it you?" he asked,
while his grim face lighted up.
He ushered me into his @den." 1t was
really the arst time I had ever been
within the sanctum, and I must confess
that I looked around me with great
deal Of interest.
The room was regular old bachelors
apartment Besides this, it had an in
terest for me on account OF the many
queer trophies hung upon the walls
things that were doubtless connected
with all the greatest criminal cases Tor
many years past, in which Mr.. Ketcham
had figured prominently.
looked around me for short time,
and then coming to my senses, realized
that Mr.. Ketcham was watching me.
"Now, Doctor, what do you come
after?"
II have been uneasy, sir, with regard
to Leonore. Tell me, have you made
out the case any worse against herP"
He smiled peculiarly. -.
-sYour interest il her is pardonshle.
Doctor. / really hope you will not be
disappointed in your expectations. /
have discovered certain new things, but
cannot say that they settle the case"
" am glad to hear that"
SMeantime, now is 1t with you?"
sWhat do you mean Mr.. Ketcham?"
"You have made some discoveries"
"How do you know that?"
"Perhaps I guessed at it from your
manner, or, to get nearer the truth, /
have run across your trail several times"
saw that there was no use trying to
keep anything back from this man. For
the first time the thought came into my
head that perhaps he would be able to
return my Roland with an Oliper-that
he already knew much more than would
be able to tell him. ...
At any rate he would have to give me
credit for my discoveries.
So / began the story. Nothing was
withheld, from the time I had left him
up to my meeting with Theodore.
The old detective evidently enjoyed
the story. He lay back in his chair,
with his eyes fastened upon me. Now
and then, at some interesting part Of my
story, his face would light up and per-
haps he would put % few questions to
me.
His interest was greatest, however,
ing Theodore, and the manner in which
sent the question home to him.
. Then Mr.. Ketcham leaned forward in
his chair and seemed to hold his breath.
I could feel rather than see his eyes
fixed intently upon me- -
AS ], revealed Theodore's secret he
chuckled as though greatly tickled.
GOOD, Doctor; commend your skill
at running trail, he said.
finished, at length, and told him why
I had sought him out
"What you have given to me, Doctor,
is not all news, and yet there have been
some points in it Of great value. Again
allow me to commend your qualities in
the detective line. You have met with
astonishing success
Ibpwed.
"Praise from Sir Hubert is praise in
deed"
II suppose what you want now is my
opinion on your discoveries?"
ayes, in part / would not object to
hearing what you have done in that line
yourself, Mr.. Ketcham."
He smiled at my words.
@Your enthusiasm in this case certainly
entities you to every consideration, Doc
tor, and ut my hands you shall certainly
receive it."
Iwaited for him to speak further, but
It was some time ere he did so. Perhaps
he was pondering over the matter.
@Now, Doctor, listen to me. In one
way 1t seems as though this young man
yet I am inclined to believe he speaks
the trpth in the matter.
p "At the same time he is morally GER
tain that when he looked into that room
he saw something that alarmed him.
"You see that he refuses to tell what
it was he saw. judge that he is not the
man to take much care of his own life,
but secret involving one be loves would
never be torn from him.
"Now, the great question IS: what did
lie see that troubles him 50 intensely,
and~whch, he says, the rack could no'
tear from his lips?
"Let me tell you.
"He looked upon Lconore, the girl he
loved, in mad frenzy bending over his
father and sending the blade home TO his
heart.
"That was the sight which froze the
blood in his veins and made his heart
stand still. No wonder he hardly knew
what he did after that, and went back
and forth between the wall and the
house.
think of it-he saw the girl he loved
murder his father! No wonder, then, he
declares that he is dumb. Sooner than
tell the truth, and have Leonore con-
victed by his testimony, he would take
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