The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1895-07-14

During the time Bartlett and I have
been in business together we have brought
many strange and difficult cases 10 a sue
cessful issue. but doubt whether any one
Of them was stranger or more remarkable
than our first. which was popularity known.
and is spoken Of TO this day. as The Muir
der In Essex Marshes"
Our partnership commenced in a Gu
rious way Some people would call IL a
lucky chance. but don't believe in chance
myself
I had been a private detective for five
years. working single-handed. and my
reputation was growing. I had made
little money, and was engaged 10 be mar
ried to the dearest. But that's neither
here nor there. She was Of invaluable as
sistance to me in the case I am speaking
Of and has always felt grateful for the
part she played in it, Jessie's mother
kept a clearinghouse, and as she resided
near the houses Of parliament she sue
ceeded in earning a respectable living.
Our wedding day was fixed, and it was ar
ranged that we should spend our honey
moon out OF England-Jessie was wild to
see foreign countries-and upon our re-
turn occupy the rooms on the ground
floor Of her mothers house. wasn't go,
ing 70 spoil our holiday by reading Eng
fish newspapers while was away; for a
few weeks, at least, / would forget all
about business. and this is the reason
why. when we got back TO England I
A.
murder in Essex Marshes which had been
agitating the public mind during our abb
sence. We Travelled from Paris by the
night train, and reached home before
noon. and il was on the evening Of the
same day that Bartlett presented himself
! was glad 10 see him, because we were
sure to talk Of business and was anxious
to buckle to. Jessie was with me when
he came IN, and introduced them to each
other; my little woman remained only a
few minutes with us, and then, with a
shrewd guess that Bartlett had something
10 speak about, she left us together
You're in luck, Lewis" said Bartlett,
looking after her admiringly. but with a
certain preoccupation.
You may say that" I replied. II have
had a holiday that / shah look back to
win AEAlHuA ali Allt uagh VI NY lllt.
All" he remarked Homogeneous are
not all like that There are some with
black clouds in them. DO you recollect
my arresting man for murder before he
was three days married? The papers
called 1t The Spotted Dog Murder I
nodded. 1T was rather rough on him,
but business is business. And not to beat
about the bush. Lewis, it's business that
brings me here tonight"
tfT'nn randy for arxyfhfnu cofd
my hands. IF you've anything to pro-
pose"
Il propose a partnership" said he.
Really, Bartlett?" l asked, secretly de-
lighted. for he was a clever fellow, one
in a thousand, and l knew IL would be to
my advantage to be associated with him.
Il mean IL. A partnership for three
years certain, TO be continued if were
satisfied with each other"
Done" said /. holding out my hand.
And done IT is" he said, gripping It.
Wen draw up paper, and sign it to-
morrow. The best of two fellows like us
working together is that we can talk over
things, open our minds, throw out sug-
gest1ons that lead to something we should
never otherwise think of. If you don't
mind my saying so, I am a tri1e more
practical than you, but you more than
make up for it by being more inventive
than 1. Now the case have in hand will
give you scope in that direction"
oh, you have case to commence
with"
ITO be sure have; that is why I was
in such hurry to see you. There's kind
of fate in it," He looked round at the
walls and up at the ceiling
Il don't understand YOU" ! said.
You will presently" he replied HAS
your mother-in-law kept boarding house
long?"
For good many years" I said, sur
prised at the turn the conversation was
taking.
Must have had some peculiar characters
10 deal with. Such a lodging house as this
is little world in itself l should like to
know the names of the people in the place."
This request surprised me still more.
Have they anything to do with the case
you have in hand?"
Probably. When you know me better
you will know that l never ask an idle
question"
"AH right. I will get them for you"
Odt l went to Jessie's mother and pres
emily returned with a sheet of note paper
upon which had totted down the particu-
lars.
Here they are, Bartlett On the first
floor gentleman of the name of Dover
ambitious for political life; not yet in par
lament; hopes to become member. one
is coupled by literary gentlemen who
writes descriptive articles for magazines
and newspapers; name, Chetwood. The
two front rooms on the same floor are let
to middle aged lady from the country;
name. Briggs. Miss Briggs, and therefore
presumably a spinster. She boards here;
is not well acquainted with London; likes
TO go about to theaters and public places,
and is quite glad that Jessie has come
home, because she wants a companion to
show her the sights. She has made friends
with my wife already"
Bartlett, who held an open pocket book
IN his hand, wrote down the names:
Mr.. Dover, political Mr.. Chetwood,
descriptive writer for newspapers and
magazines. Miss Briggs, spinster, monde
script from the country"
Having made this entry he handed me
letter. and requested me to read it, did
so in silence
Dear FFank-This is the last latter YOU
will receive from me, because l think 1t is
my duty not to write to you again after to-
day. 1 have brought trouble enough upon
you, and though l shall never forget you I
wish you to forget me, and to forget if
you can, that there was ever such an
unfortunate person in the world There is
no hope for me. All my life-which 1 pray
will not be long-I shall remain here in