Waterbury evening Democrat., 1894-08-25
THEL0NE
Copyright. 1884. by the Author.l
By FERGUS HUME.
CHAPTER XII

convinced that she spoke the truth. It was Francis Briarfield who stood before me, and the dead man was Felix. How the change of personality had taken place 1 was unable to guess, but never theless felt that it was true.
 Rose Gernon, with look of disap- pointed rage, was the first to speak. She stamped her foot and laughed scorn fully.
 This is ridiculousr' she said con- tenlptuously. Ut was Francis who died He''-
 Francis did not die, as you well know" interrupted the young man. Felix fell into his own trap, and for safety assumed his name. I believe you were aware of this all along"
 How can that be? And if I really did know you were Francis, why did you not say so:'
 Because I did not wish to betray myself. For aught I know you slew my brother and were quite capable of ac cu<ing me of his murder.
 Rose cvaded this question, and toss ing her head, with a sheer, moved to- ward the door. Before she could reach it blocked her passage.
 Not yet, Miss Gernon, said I mean ingly Though we have discovered Fe- lix to be Francis, we do not know how the former met with his death. "
 II cannot tell you ''
 II think you can, said Olivia quick ly, seeing Felix, by your own confes- sion, made all arrangements with you. :" And yet Felix is dead" scoffed Rose
 ''He fell into his own trap"
 ''I don't know how he died," she said resolutely. As regards that am as ignorant as you are, though believe Francis killed him."
 ''Ah! Ton then acknowledge me to be Francis:''
 II acknowledge nothing. Let me pass, MT. Dcnham. I have to attend to my business ''
 Not till you tell me where your so called father, Strcnt, is to be found. "
 II don't know" she said sullenly.
 "YeS, you dO," persisted Olivia, ''and you shall not leave this room till you tell all.
 If do not go to the theater, shall be ruined
 
 Francis mcrcilcSsly.
 The wu1nan looked at our three faces, and sccing therein no hope of mercy compromised the matter.
 Let nc have n night to think over it," she entrcated anxiously.
 No" said Francis and Olivia in one breath ''You must tell all now.
 There k no time" she urged. ''l arn late as it is. I must go"
 Let mc speak, Briarfield," inter posed. seeing he was about to refuse again. We do not want to make q public scandal of this-as yet ''
 Francis consulted Olivia with a look and turned tO me.
 You know more about this case than any one clse," he said quietly. Miss Bellin and myself are quite pre- pared tn leave the matter ill your haIl'ls.
 Very guud- Then Miss Gcrnon car go to her duties. undertake that sh, shall lr. forthcoming tomorrow Oh vtS, Miss CiernOn, I added ironically II have made all my plans. Knowing you were mixed up in this case, en gagged detective to look after you" " "A detecriver' she said, with a ter rified look
 ''Ycs! One of the smartest detective: of Scotland Yari. Permit me to escor you to the stage door of the theater anC introduce you to this gentleman. Per form your part tonight and go home i Tomorrow come to these rooms at noor and tell us all you know. I am no afraid of your escaping. as my detectiv' will watch you till we see you again. 1 Suppose rcfuseI" said Rose vicious ly.
 ''In that case I'll have you arrested at once as m accessory to tho murde of Felix Briarfield -
 ''You are too strong for me, sh said savageiy. II accept your condi tions. Tomorrow I'll come here at 1 o'clock Can go now:''
 ''Ccrtainly-provided you accept III as your escort.
 As you please. she replied disdain fully. As for you, Miss Bellin," sh added, turning toward Olivia, II wis you joy of your bargain. That man Francis Briarfield sure enough I kneN it all along and played on his fears fo my own ends. He is a coward, and Fe lix was worth dozen of him. For you Mir. Briarfield, I have nothing but COT tempt"
 With this parting shaft she sailed or of the door, closely followed by mC l he detective was waiting on the othG side of the street and followed us clos ly. Rose glanced uneasily from side [ side, but not one word would she speal nor did wish her to talk, having quit enough ou my mind for the presen When we arrived at the stage door ( the Friyolity theater, she halted on u step. In the light shed from the lam above I could see her soornful faca
 What I have promised shall d. Mir Denhanl, she said spitefully. f'b' tomorrow can tell you nothing. Wit all your cleverness as O spy you ha' , discovered nothing but 0 mareis nest l When she entered the theater. turl ' ed round to the detective. whom I four at my elbow.
 "You know what you have to doP' said inIperatively.
 "Yes, sir saw her face in the igh You can depend upon me shan't 10 sight of her.. ''
 '.She is to come to Mir. Briarfleld rooms tomorrow at noon." That's all right. sir. I'll see she there"
 Good Be very careful She Is clever woman and would baffie the dey himself. "
 ''She won't baffie me-" said the - tective confidently and so departed { |, his mission. Having thus provided for the sa keeping of Rose Gernon. returned |. Briarfield's rooms and found him alon o Miss Bellin had taken her departu during my absence.
 Where is sheg' asked, giancil | round