The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1894-06-12

saw him start visibly % made the
announcement, and for moment he re-
mained silent. Then he said:
"Of course that proves nothing"
Certainly not, went ON, "but IL
Is a very unfortunate circumstance that
the old gardener should make such
stupid mistake"
"But il isn't a mistake, he answered.
"Whati Then 10 was really you
whom he saw on the grounds that
nightf"
Yes"
/ looked at him In astonishment. He
noticed my look and added:
"Of course you are surprised at my
being there at that timer"
l nodded assent.
He arose and paced the room for sew
eral moments, his head bent as II In
deep thought. Then he walked to ta-
BILE by the window, and picking mp 4
roll of manuscript came and laid 1t In
my hand.
''This will explain matters to you,
ae said. "You are the only friend !
aaye on earth In whom can confide.
When you have read this, come to me,
and will tell you Of my plans. have
telegraphed to New York for my attor-
ney and detective. They Arrived early
this morning, and am now expecting
them every moment.
II thank you for your confidence" i
said, "and let me assure You that what
ever circumstances may point TO the con-
trary shall never question your inno-
cence."
He pressed my hand warmly.
IT am more than grateful for your
friendship and the assurance Of your
confidence in my innocence, he re-
Piled. II trust soon to prove to you
that it has not beep misplaced.
Gerald said, II have made some
important discoveries in this case, and
il was to acquaint you with these that l
came this morning"
my discovering the human finger con-
tanning the diamond ring in the mu-
dered mans luggage; then of my visit
to Darkwood Hall, of Miss Dangerheld' s
sudden illness and the discovery that
one of her fingers was missing.
A look of utter establishment and per-
plexity crossed his face at my revelation.
Its something that can't under
stand" he remarked after long pause.
"It is very strange-very strange"
1t is indeed" answered, "and
think the facts ought to be given to the
detectives ut once"
"No, no." be said, with sudden en-
ergy. Keep your discoveries secret
for the present. have good reasons fol
asking this-reasons which you shall
know in due time.
but surely this matter ought to be
Investigated at once" replied, not
little puzzled at his strange request
"You are accused of great crime, and
it is my duty as well as yours to see that
everything relating to the matter should
be brought to light"
~ know it, he replied, 'but should
prefer that you keep your discoveries
secret for short time at least. Re
member that / ask this thinking it il
for the best. /"
"But the preliminary examination II
set for this evening, and there is nt
time for delay"
Never fear about that. will con-
suit with my attorney and then decide
on some course of action. We can in
troduce you as witness if We thinl
proper to do so."
Just as you please" replied. :"
am willing to do whatever you advise.
AT this instant the jailer came to th'
door and announced that gentleman
was waiting to see the prisoner.
Its my attorney" said Gerald
Then to the jailer, SHOW him in i'm
mediately."
: Thrusting the manuscript which tn
young man had given me into my pock
ct, withdrew from the room, promis
ing to be present at the preliminary ex
animation. tEt "a s
1t is hardly necessary to state that
was considerably mystiiied ut youn
Rainforth' g strange conduct, yet say
no course left but to follow his advice
He was certainly the most intereste
party in the affair and would doubles
do what was most to his own advantage
My calls kept me busy till near th
middle of the afternoon. Then eatin
hurried lunch Started for the cour
house, not yet having found time
read the manuscript Gerald had give
me. What strange story the nanuscriI
had to tell was very anxious to asce
tain, but it was far more important th'
/ be present at the preliminary.
When reached the little courthous
1 found it already well lilled with a
eager, expectant crowd, all anxious
catch every detail of the terrible cas-
|, Edging my way through the mass I
humanity, managed to obtain SCI
inside the railing near the prisone
where was introduced to Gerald's a
torney, who was one of the great Grim
nal lawyers of the metropolis.
The attorney for the state was
shrewd man and possessed great abili,
as q criminal lawyer, and knew th
he would make q strong fight. VIII