The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1894-08-21
CHAPTER Ill

The tragic occurrence at the Fen inn
altered all my plans. With an assassin to
bo tracked there was 10 time for COM
Portable idleness. Francis Briarfield had
been my friend, and | owed it to his
memory to avongo his death. Itwas no
easy task l had set myself. Recognized
that from the first.
In place, therefore, Of seeking the cen
ter Of the town and my maiden aunt's
turned or at the outskirts and made
for Bellin Hall According to the story
of Francis, his brother was staying
with the Ballins, and it was necessary
that | should see him at once about the
matter My acquaintance with Mrs. Bel
lin and her daughter was confined to
casual conversation at crowded ''at
homes" during the season. Ihad hardly
the right to thrust myself on them un.
invited, but my business brooked no
delay. The sooner Felix knew the truth
the better it would be for him. If no
We're guilty, could punish him for his
crime by denouncing him at once to the
authorities; If innocent, he need lose no
time in hunting down those who had
slain his brother Besides | wished to
put Olivia on her guard against the
man masquerading as Francis Briar-
field. That | Intended to do in any case
whether he was innocent or guilty.
Belliu Hall was a groteGque specimen
Of architecture, built by jeremiah Bel
lin, who had made his money out of
blacking. 1t was uncommonly like a
factory, but perhaps the deceased Jere
miah liked something to remind him of
the origin Of his fortune and keep him
from thinking his ancestors came over
with William the Conqueror lie mar
ried the daughter Of 4 baronet and then
took his departure to the next world,
leaving his widow we'll provided for
and his daughter an heiress III her own
right
Mrs. Bclliu was a pretty woman,
with no brains and Il giggling laugh.
Her daughter had the beauty Of her
mother and the brains of her father, SO
she was altogether a charming girl.
How she could tolerate her silly dolly
OF mother l could never understand.
Perhaps 23yeaGs of constant forbearance
had Injured her to the trial.
On arriving at the front door I learned
that Mr.. Briarfeld was within and sent
up my card, requesting private inter-
view. For the present l did not wish to
see Olivia, as it was my intention to
warn Felix that was cognizant of his
trickery. My theory was proved correct
by the following dialogue:
Myself-1s Mr.. Briarfeld within?
Footman-Yes, sir. Mr.. Francis
Briarfeld has just returned from town.
After which question and answer
was shown into room. Observe that l
had said "Mr. Briarfeld, " and the foot
man answered "Mr. Francis Briarfeld. I"
Now, as l we'll knew that the man
bearing that name was lying dead at the
Fen inn, it was conclusive proof that
Felix, to gain the hand of Olivia, was
masquerading as his brother. l had just
argued this out to my complete satisfac-
ton when Felix made his appearance.
The resemblance between the brothers
was extraordinary. l had some Difficult
ty in persuading myself that the man
before me was not he WHOM had seen
dead that morning, the same pale face,
dark hair and jaunty mustache, the
same gestures, the same gravity Of de-
meanor and actually the Same tones in
the voice. There was not the slightest
difference between Felix and Francis
The one duplicated the other. Ino longer
wondered that Olivia was deceived
Despite my acquaintance with the
brothers, / should have been tricked
myself. As it was, | stared open mouth
ed at the young man.
"This is pleasant surprise, Den
ham," he said, looking anxiously at
me. II did not know you were in this
part of the world"
'Nor was l until yesterday. I am on
walking tour and last night slept at
the Fen inn. :"
"The Fen inn," he repeated, with q
slight start "What took you to that
out of the way placer"
II came by the marshes, and as /
was belated had to take the shelter that
offered"
"But, man alive" said Felix, rails
ing his eyebrows, "the inn is emptyl"
This time 1t was my turn to be as
tonished. If Felix thought the inn was
empty, why did he appoint it as meet
ing place for his brother? He either
knew too much or too little, so 1t be-
hooved me to conduct the conversation
with the utmost dexterity.
ut was not empty last night at all
events" retorted, keeping my eyes
fixed on his face
Indeed Are gypsies encamped
there?' he said coolly.
"Well, not exactly" ! answered,
emulating his calm. 1T was In charge
Of man called Strent and his daugh.
ter"
''This is news to me- was always
under the impression that the Fen inn
was quite deserted. )"
"You have not been near it lately2"
"No. Nobody goes near it. They say
1t is haunted. "
"Pshaw," l answered angrily, "ar
old wife's talel And yet, " added after
moments thought, lit may well bt
haunted after what took place there last
night. F"
'This begins to grow interesting, u
said Felix. "Had you an adventureP"
eyes met with your brother" T"
"Impossiblel My brother Felix is il
Paris.
II am talking Of Francis"
Francis" he repeated, with dis
agreeable smile, "FrancisP WE'LL Den
ham, / am Francis. :"
u think you are making a mistake,