Waterbury evening Democrat., 1894-08-21

ACAohht NTt IlNSNtFy.
 "Can it be" thought I. ''that it was Felix whom met at tho inn-Felix, who tried to pass himself off as Francis and then invented that lying story? Per haps he was not dead, us I thought, but merely plunged into trance. When he revived, seeing the uselessness of fight ing with Francis, he fled back to Paris. I"
 All this time I stared hard at the manager. In reality was puzzling out the mystery and not paying any atten- ton to the man before me. He, howey- CT, grew weary under my regard and moved uneasily.
 ''Mr. Briarfield is now in his room, monsieur. Shall I take to him your card?''
 ''If you please. answered mechan- ically and handed it to him. In few moments n waiter came with a message stating that Mir. Briarfield would be glad to see me. I followed the man in a state of the utmost bewilderment and found myself in the presence of Felix before knew what to say or do. He was so like Francis, whom I thought was lying dead at the Fen inn-so like the man who passed as Olivia's lover that for the moment I could do nothing but stare at him Yet he could be neither of the two. for one was dead, and the other I had left behind at Marshminster.
 How are you, Denham?' he said, somewhat surprised at my strange con- duct. And why do you stare so steadi- ly at me?''
 Are you Felix BriaTfield?' I gasped.
 'As you see" he answered, raising his eyebrows. Surely you know me we'll enough to dispense with so foolish a question.
 And your brother?"
 'He is at Marshminster, I believe, with Miss Bellin, to whom he is engag- ed. Why do you ask so strange a ques- tion?''
 sat down on the sofa and buried my face ill my hands. Either I was out of my mind or the victim of some terrible hallucination. I certainly had met Francis at the inn and beheld him dead under its roof. As surely had seen the man believed to be Felix at Marsh minister Yet here in Paris beheld an individual who was neither the dead friend nor the living lover, and he called himself Felix Briarfield.
 I must De 1nHu! must De maQI was all I could say for the moment
 "What is the matter, Denham?" ask ed Briarfield. touching my shoulder. Are you ill?"
 For answer seized first one hand and then the other. On neither appeared the least scratch. Yet the man whom be- lieved to be Francis had a ragged wound on the right hand My theory of trance vanished into thin air at this proof that the men were distinct. As founded by my action, Felix drew back in some alarm.
 How strangely you act, Denham!" he said uneasily. 'Is there anything wrong:"
 Do you think I am mad?" asked irritably.
 Your action just now was scarcely the act of n sane person. Why did you examine my hands:"
 "To see if they were cut in any way"
 He turned the palms of his hands to- ward me and shook his head with n slight laugh.
 "You see" he said, smiling, "they are absolutely free from cut or wound Why do you expect them to be marred?'
 made no reply, bSt passed ny hand across my brow. The situation in which I found myself was so strange and em- barrassing that l did not know how to proceed In the presence of facts could not but admit that my story would sound but a wild invention.
 Come, Denham," said Briarfield soothingly. "You are doubtless in some trouble and have come to me for help and advice. I'll give both to tho best of my ability"
 "I want neither. I muttered in n low voice, but if you will answer some questions wish to ask you will oblige me greatly.
 Briarficld drew back with a queer look in his eyes, as if he thought my madness was increasing. However, he ovcrcame tho dread my actions appar entity caused him and answered civilly enough:
 Certainly, if it will do you any good. What is it you wish to know?'' Were you in England within tho last seven days?'
 ''No; have not been in England for at least six weeks.
 Do yuu know the Fen inn?'
 "Ncvcr heard of it in all my life"
 Arc you acquainted with a girl named Rose Strent:'' "I don't even know her name.
 "When did your brother Francis re- turn to EngianS from South America?' ''Threo months ago.
 Have you seen him since his re- turn:"
 Frequently in London, but he is | ,,x- ,t Mat-sbpninSfar F'
 Do you know he is engaged to Miss Bellin:''
 ''Of course I do,' said Briariold. The marriage takes place shortly, and am to bc the best man-that is, if return in time.
 What do you mean?"
 Well, I'm going to Italy tomorrow. '' said the young man, shrugging his shoulders. land it is just possible that I may prolong my tour to the cast In that case may be absent from England for at least six months or moro. During thnt time Francis will doubtless marry Olivia, and shall not be able to be al the wedding"
 "You have not been in England with in the last six weeks. You don't know the Fen inn nor of the existence o Rose Strent," summed up. Then am the victim of some extraordinary hallucination.
 You are very extraordinary alto gether," retorted Briarfield. ''Now have answered your questions, pray an swer mine. Why do you ask all thes' things?"
 Ut is a strange story and one whicl you will scarcely believe"
 Let me hear it.
 Thus adjured. told him the story O my adventure at the inn, but suppresse, ] i..ls..E .l..... o..4.n-