Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1894-12-15

might be something in what he said.
Nevertheless determined for my own
satisfaction to go to Paris and zee II Ee.
lix Briarfeld was at the Hotel des 1t
rangers. If he were not, then my sus-
picions might prove to be correct, but
il he were then I might believe that
my adventure at the inn was . dream.
CHAPTER vi.
Having made up my mind what course
to pursue, returned to Marshminster,
took leave Of my relatives and left that
evening for London. There remained
two days reviewing the strange events
in which had lately been an actor. At
one moment it was in my mind to aban-
don what certainly seemed to be
hopeless search, for could but zee it
was a matter of great difficulty to lay
my hand ON the assassin Of Francis. It
would be better, thought, to place the
matter in the hands Of the police and
let them thrash it out for themselves.
Two reasons prevented my taking this
ignoble course.
One was that Francis Brairfeld had
been q college friend, and l was unwill.
ing that his death should 20 unaveng.
ed. The story Of his love for Olivia,
which he had told me at the inn, con-
tanned the elements of a strange TO-
nance fifty capped by his tragic end. I
felt certain that Felix, through his hired
bravo-for l could call St-ent by no
other name-had encompassed the death
of his brother. Felix was passionately
in love with Olivia, and the unexpected
return of Francis not only threatened to
take her away from him. but also to re-
veal the scoundrelly fashion in which
he had behaved. At one blow Felix
would lose her love and respect There
fore his motive for averting such Q Ca
tastrophe was a strong one. That he
should determine on fratricide was q
terrible thought, but there was no other
course left to him by which to secure
the woman he loved and the respect he
valued. 1t was the mad action of q
weak, passionate man, such ~ I knew
Felix to be. Too cowardly himself to
strike the fatal blow. he had hired
Strent TO carry out his plans, and the
death had been duly accomplished,
though in what way / was quite unable
to say. 1t was sufficient for me to
know that Francis was dead, and felt
myself called upon to avenge his death.
The other motive was perhaps the
stronger one of detective fever. ! was q
bachelor. had a good income and
nothing to do. Therefore this quest was
one OF great interest to me. ] had often
h0nted beasts, but this man hunt was q
much more powerful incentive to ex-
element. could hardly sleep for think
ing Of the case and was constantly en-
gagged in piecing together the puzzle
As yet l had no clear clew to follow,
but the first thing to be settled was the
identity of Felix at Westminster with
Felix at Paris. Once established that
point and proved conclusively that Fe-
lix had never left England. I would be
in position. to prosecute the search in
the neighborhood of Westminster.
I own that there was an additional
reason in the pique felt at the scornful
disbelief Of Olivia. She evidently con.
sidered my story pure fiction, and the
strange disappearance of the corpse from
the inn confirmed her in this belief Ir.
ritated by such contempt, Twas resolved
to bring home the crime to Felix and
to prove conclusively to her that he was
masquerading as her lover, the dead
Francis. 1t would be a cruel blow when
assured Of the truth, but it was better
that she should suffer temporary pair
than drag out a lifelong agony chained
to a man whom I knew to be q profit.
gate, q liar and murderer
At the end Of two days I confirmed
myself in the resolution to hunt down
the criminal and decided as the first ster
to go to Paris Leaving Victoria by the
| night mail, arrived in the French cap
ital next morning Anxious to lose nc
| further time, FASTENED at once to the
Hotel des Etrangers, in the Rue de St
Honore, and there took up my quarters
Recovered from the fatigues Of the jour
ney, partook Of luncheon and ther
made inquiries about Felix Briarfield
To my surprise, not only discovered
I that he was in Paris, but that he wa
in the hotel at that moment.
HAS he been staying here for an,
length of time?" asked the manager
For six weeks. monsieur, and nov
talks of going to Italy," was the aston
fishing reply.
To say that / was surprised woul,
| give but a faint idea Of what felt
That the assertion of Olivia should thu
prove true was almost impossible Of be
lief. If Felix was here and had beel
here for the past six weeks, it coul,
not possibly be he whom i had met a
Westminster. Assuming this to be tn
case, who was the man of the Fen i'm
who called himself Francis? My hea
was whirling with the endeavor t
grapple with these thoughts. Suddenl
ON idea flashed into my brain whic
might possibly account for the mystery
Can it be, thought l. that it wa
Felix whom I met at the inn-Feliz
who tried to pass himself OF rs Franci
and then invented that lying story? Pc,
haps he was not dead. as thought. bu
merely plunged into . trance. When b
royiye6 sooivrr tho v,oo1oSevouo NJ Guht