The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1893-03-04
CHAPTER X.
THE UNKNOWN.

.
once more.
The long arduous quest had been vain
Here hint, there a'trace of vehicle and
occupants, but only a hint barely a
trace-clues indefinite, unreliable, which,
followed up led to nothing
Il give it up" he muttered grimly,
and with savage energy. They have not
gone citywards. West lie the forests the
scattered settlements, and it would be like
looking for needle IN hay stack to
seek them there. One consolation is af-
forded me. however: Flora Merwyn's
mysterious friend seems more of pro-
tectOr than champion. Were he cog
infant of the true state of affairs, AMI
intending to unmaSk or fight me, he
would have gone straightway to the
city, to the lawyers. Instead. they are
in hiding. That evidences fear, and
affords me time TO penetrate their OBJ
security later on. Tomorrow | will re-
sumo the hunt more thoroughly and sys-
tematically. For the present, important
issues demand careful attention"
He was wearied as he drove into the
little town He went straight to his
lodgings. While he ate rejuvenating
meal, he listened to the gossip of his
landladY.
Her tittle-tattle showed that affairs
were progressing in full accordance with
his welI-laid cherished plans.
The bankers body had been removed
to his home, and prepared for inter
ment. An inquest had been held, but
the identity of the assassin had not been
established. Meantime a duputy sheriff
guarded the bank, and the quieted mob
relied on judioal interference to give
hni iCyht H., L.,
ory had got abroad that Abel Merwvn
had been sly, scheming scoundrel, in
stead of the man of probIty and
unSclfiSh public spirit he had been ad-
judged. Meditating wholesale robbery,
adverse speculation had swept his i'll
gotten gains away. 1t was rumored that
the failure had nearly killed old John
Wharton, and that the only person who
had striyen to save enough from the
wreck to pay the beggard deposits, was
Arnold Dacrc. who had remained at his
post of duty like hero.
DaCre smiled complaccntly at the in
telligence. Then, in tho shadows of
dusk, he stole towards the dead bankers
mansion.
1t was silent, solemn, and gloomy. He
meditated a brief call upon the house
keeper-he would venture an inquiry
regarding any possible word she might
have obtained concerning the missing
Flora.
just about to 90 up the front steps of
the house, however, Dacre started VIC
lently, and strained his uncertain gaze
towards the street again.
ut is not possible" he calculated.
focbly.
At the curb stood a cOnvcyance-a
close carriage. Attached to it, united,
dropping, covered with foam, jaided,
worn out, were TWO grey horses.
1t was the Merwyn turnout. tho self
same team that had so mySteriouSly left
the stable eight hours previous.
What does it mean?"
Uttering the query vaguely, Arnold
Dacrc ran eXcitedly to the side Of the
vehicle. There was no driver in the seat.
He pulled open side door. The vehicle
contained no passenger.
'Oh! Mr.. Dacre."
He turned sharply at the words. They
were spoken by the housckeepcr, who, a
handkerchief held Historically to her
garding him.
'Oh, it is yOu?" murmured DaCre. Tell
me-Miss Merwyn, Flora she has re-
turned?'
NO"
But this carriagc?"
'Wandercd up here a few minutes
since"
"Driven by"
''NO one, just as you see it. oh, where
is my poor miStress-what has become
of hcr?'
The schemer'S eyes dilated with rapid.
excited thought. To him the situation
was plain. Flora Merwvn and her mys-
tcriOuS protector had reached y place Of
secluson and safety, had turned the
horses loose, and they bad found their
way home as intended.
IN take them to the stables" he
said.
He sliced the brides and led the tired
Steeds into the court yard. just unlooS-
cning the gates, he looked up as his
name was called in tones of inquiry, and
form doomed up in the near distance.
is that you, Mr.. Dacre?'
Eyes, who is it? Oh. the Sheriff
What is it?"
You are needed"
The schemer looked annoyed
"Nccded?" he repeated vaguely.
what for? No more bother about the
bank, hope?"
"oh, no; but think you had better
see your old clerk"
'Wharton?"
YES"
whats the matter with him?"
As If he did not know. Consummate
actor. AS if he had not anticipated the
very information about to he awarded
to him.
"Wcll, he's acting mighty queer"
"IIOw?"
"Cranky-peculiar. The people say
he's gone clear daft over this trouble,
He's got positively unmanageable."
Arnold Dacre chuekled TO himself To
himself, too, he muttered complacently
Good. Wharton is carrying out the
scheme nobly."
''WiIl you come. He's at his room and
cutting up badly"
Yes" replied Dacre, I'll be there
in fifteen minutes.
VERY we'll"
The sheriff departed down tho street
In the direction OF Wharton's lodgings
Arnold Dacre looked after him with
glowing eyes Of mingled contempt and
triumph.
The unsuspecting doItS" he eiacu-
lated. They little dream the plot were
playing. Wharton adiudged insane, and
irresponsible, and unable to answer GER
tain ugly questions about the bank &C
counts which might be difficult 10 ex-
plain, Nerwyn dead, the papers all fixed
to suit my claims, my course is plain
Sailing-only the girl and her unknown
I protector he muttered darkly. "a he
led the horses into the carriage house
If | was sure of her silence and his
identity. if ! could only trace them,
would feel the victor complete"
lie CROPPED about until he fount Ian
tern on a nook.
This he lighted Bv its aid he un-
/ hitched and stalled the tired horses
/ Then. taking up the light, he held 1t
/ close to the vehicle.
! 1t shoWed rough usage, evidences Of
/ hard driving. A peculiar SANDY loan at
taChed IN the wheels. and he noted II.
( "Hellol that's clue They have gone
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