Evening star., 1895-10-10

Gulding Followed Them to the Door.
| them what has happened. And, say, if it
| isn't too much, would you mind calling at
Mr.. Newcombs to say that l shan't get
around till late; that is. if Mr.. Warren will
let me stay awhile
''Of course" responded Warren; Il told
you before"
Then, if you would kindly let Mrs. New
comb know" concluded the traveller, rising
10 emphasize his hint
King and Turner put on their hats and
guessed il was about time they started
home, and if they realized that they had
been sent away they at least felt some
compen sdtion in the fact that they would
be the first to spread the sensational news
through the village, and there was enough
to tel. goodness knows!
Golding followed them to the door with
profuse thanks for their kindness. and when
they had gone he turned and confronted
Mr.. Warren with an air of stern determina-
ton.
There's been no opportunity" he said.
for me to make myself known. My name
is Ben Goiding. and I've nothing to coli
ceal''
He paused and slared significantly at his
well" retorted Mr.. Warren, sharply, Il
haven't asked you any questions, have II?
The traveller seemed to feel that he haG
made wrong beginning, and after a paust
he responded, more suavely:
NO, but some folks have something to
conceal. and 1 merely wanted it understood
ITS a good thing to know-and be sure
Of" said Mr.. Warren, with pointed irony.
Come leghhor.'' exclaimed Golding
hastily, lets not misunderstood each 9th
er l speak a little kotly, perhaps, be-
cause, well. Freeman Duttcn was my
friend, and this attempt to murder him has
stirred me up good deal haven't
meant any otfense.
MIR. Warren's soldierly qualities had been
awakened by the aggressive antagonism
of this stranger and all his agitation had
gone. He would have given much to know
what was in Goldng's mind, but even II
this man had become possessed OF all OF
Freeman buttons secrets, he was at the
worst ali enemy in plain sight.
Il take no offense,' Mr.. Warren said,
you started in to ask something. What
can l tell your
You said up above there, that you knew
there'd been foul play. How did you know
it:'
"Beca lse,' replied Mr. Warren slowly. Il
saw the same mark on his throat that you
did,
But 1 was just behind you in the run
up the mountain. ! saw your wife drag.
no, carry, Freeman from the cabin. You
had hardly looked at him.
Golding stopped. 1t was evidently in his
heart to say more. but he waited for Mr..
Warren to explain. This he did after
very perceptible pause.
Mr. Golding, had seen Dutton be-
FORE
Il thought so. WheE?"
The travellers tone was cold and hard.
Il had been to the cabin half an hour
before" replied Mr.. Warren resentfully.
Il found him lying on the floor with the
belt around his throat. l pulled it off.
He seemed to be dead. l ran home as fast
as l could and told my wife We went
| back together. If there's anything else YOU
want TO know you'd better ask somebody
else
You mean that's all you'll tell"
ITS all l know, and 1 won't have YOU
cross-examine me, either. in my own house
as If l vas a thief"
There's no need of your firing up. An
| other piece may do as we'll for cross-ex
| aminipg you as You call it, but you might
as well answer my questions
Mr. Warren glared savagely at the trav-
| eler and choked down the anger that was
rising within him. He understood Golding' 5
covert insinuations.
What did you find in that belt. Mr.
Warren?'
An expression of unmistakable surprise
was struck by it.
I'm that belt?" repeated Warren, wonder
ingly. Il didn't look at the thing. 1 tore
| 1t off and dropped it,
well, them exclaimed Golding, in
| tone that showed that he, too had a
temper that stirred quietly when he was
baked, what did you find on the loor?'
Mr.. Warren stood up. his face flaming.
you're accusing me of something or
other" he said with emphasis; what would
you expect me to find in Dutton's belt. or
| on the hoor?''
''Diamonds!' cried Golding in a frenzy:
diamonds of the first water! He had
loads of diamonds!'
CTo be continued tomorrow)
Some misunderstanding has been caused
| as to the prize story competition by an
error in reading notice stating that the
prize would be given to the first correct
| solution received. A reference to the first
paragraph Of the conditions at the head of
| the story will show that this was a mani
| fest error0