Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1894-10-04

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reeog1lzea Ine TACT that matrers were
assuming serious complexion. He
was comparative stranger In the place.
Even l, who was perhaps more intimate
/ ly acquainted with him than any one in
Mayburg, knew little OF his past his
tory, and it was plain TO see how easily
suspicion might point to him, being the
only stranger in the village.
Was it really he whom the gardener
had seen at Darkwood Hall Oh that fatal
night? 1t so, what errand could have
taken him thither? He had never men
toned the matter to me. Then it was
claimed that there were other things
back Of this which would be made
known at the proper time. 1t did not
require much reflection for ne to see
that, although l felt convinced Of the
young man s innocence, there might be
woven about him such netsyork Of cir
cumstantial evidence as to give him far
more trouble than he dreamed to escape
from its meshes.
AS l walked on toward my Office the
surprising intelligence | had just re-
ceived gave me ample food for refec-
ton. Then another event had occurred,
which, had it happened at any other
time, would have caused considerable
comment. The master Of hardwood
Hall, SO the report ran, had at last come
to make his abode in his long neglected
country seat. Strange servants had been
seen about the place, and a young won1-
an OF surprising enthusiastically
the daughter of old Isaac Dangerield-
had been seen walking in the grounds.
When they had arrived no one seemed
to know, for the recent murder had so
absorbed the attention Of the inhabit-
ants of Mayburg that they gave little
heed to events of social character.
It was almost sunset when | reached
my Office. To my surprise, found
servant from Darkwood Hall waiting
for me with a carriage. He informed
me that my services were required at
the hall at once. Miss Dangerfield was
very ill-in fact, she was lying IN an
unconscious condition at that moment
and the housekeeper had dispatched him
for a physician with instructions to
make all possible haste.
AS soon as l could enter my Office and
get my case | climbed into the carriage
and was driven rapidly away. From
the servant, who was very talkatiye and
volunteered to impart q great deal Of
information, learned that Isaac Dan
gerfeld had died year before, and that
his daughter Grace, now the sole mis-
tress of the hall, had arrived there with
her servants Oh the 9th inst. and would
| II Oh
abode.
The mysterious tragedy which had
taken place so near the hall, the seTy-
ant informed me, had completely IN
strung the nerves OF the young lady.
She had been fearfully shocked and hor-
rified at the event and had for days been
confined to her room, and now her syMp-
| toms had grown decidedly alarming.
On reaching the hall | was met at
the door by the houseleeper, kindly
faced woman OF about 40, who conduct
ed me through a long wide hall and up
Alright Of stairs. Then passing through
another hall, | was ushered into a room
occupying the eastern wing Of the build
ing. Every article Of furniture IN the
room betokened opulence and exquisite
taste, and upon a luxurious couch, from
curiously fashioned dragon shaped
chandelier overhead, {; cluster Of waxen
tapers shed q subdued radiance, reveal
ing the face and arms OF q young wom-
an Of surprising beauty. Her face was
Of the purest type-olive tinted, with
traces Of suffering about the delicate
mouth. Her eyes were closed, and her
hair trailed in dark wavy mass across
the snowy pillow.
The nurse, who was seated by the
bedside, arose as | entered.
II think she is better now,' she said
in low tone She must have tainted,
for she was unconscious for some time,
but she revived and now she has fallen
asleep"
seated myself by the couch and laid
my hand gently on the patients wrist
Her pulse was little weak now, but
there was 10 indication of any specific
complaint aside from what might have
| been occasioned by undue excitement or
overtaxed strength | readily perceived
that all she needed was rest and quiet
and perfect freedom from all mental
disturbance. | prepared soothing mix
ture, which | instructed the nurse to
administer to her when she should
awake, but not to disturb her on any &C.
count as long as she would sleep.
I remained nearly half hour to see
if the patient would awake. but as she
! did not and seemed to be resting quietly
I rose to leave. AS did SO my move
men: saused her to move uneasily upon
her piliuw, and drawing her left hand
from beseatl, the coverlet she threw it
across her breast. AS my eyes rested for
one moment on the shapely hand Igave
a start of establishment. The first finger
was missing!
| Like flash, the finding of the human
finger in the murdered man s valise
came to me, causing me to stand there
for several moments as if in dream.
The nurse must have noticed my agita-
ton, for stepping noiselessly to my side
al, 1irIf I,a