Frederick citizen., 1895-01-18


And now. Rickson," observed Ches-
ter. turning towards his visitor, will
you come and have a look at the grey
Arab?"
Il have not come to buy horses, Mr..
CHESTER" answered Rickson, but to
demand the ring entrusted to you by
my sister, Mrs. Manvers. the repairs
10 which you have just paid for"
chester stared at him, with look of
intense surprise. HAS Mrs. Manvers
sent you to me?" stammered he, at
length
YES" answered Rickson, shortly
and l confess I am very much sur
prised that you have not returned II
lohg ago, as you promised-but let us
lose no more time-give me the ring"
You will drive me mad" gasped
chester. IF you know all about it..
you are aware how important it was
Tor me to lose no time: I made that old
villain, Gunesha Lall, work all night
at 1t, and rode over the next day and
took 1t myself"
1t was Rickson's turn to be astound-
ed. You took It over yourself?" re-
peated he. Did you see my sister?"
1
pest not give occasion for gossip, and
as saw the majors confidential man
iounging about, I gave him the little
parcel with instructions to deliver 1t
INTO Mrs. Manvers' own hands"
James gazed steadily at him. "Are
you speaking the TRUTH" asked he
slowly.
Mr.. Rickson" burst out Chester in
dignantly.
because" continued James, not
needing the interruption, because. if
you are, there must be some villainy at
work. which I am determined to find
out"
And I will help you," cried Chester.
IF I have been indiscreet, Mrs. Man
vers Is entirely free from blame, and 7
will do the utmost to atone for what I
have DONE"
you must not attempt to move in
the matter returned James Rickson,
sternly. II will not have my sisters
name compromised.
But you will let me know If I can be
or any service" pleaded Chester. "I
VIII put off my departure until this
matter Is settled That scoundrel of a
bearer must have kept the ring"
DO not know what to believe" re-
Piled James Rickson. Mrs. Manvers'
brother drove straight to his own bun
galow; he felt It useless to 60 to his
sisters until he had thought over the
matter deeply. His surprise, however.
was very great when his servant in
formed him that Manvers sahib was
waiting to see him.
Gracious heavens, Manvers, what Is
the matter?" exclaimed James. as he
caught sight of his brother-in-law's .
hagsard features. You look as il
you did not belong to this world"
Il wish that I did not" groaned the
major. James, have come to tell
you that Bella and I must separate
for 1t is Impossible for US to live to-
gether any longer"
Are you mad. Manvers?" asked
Rickson. aghast at such a statement
Not mad, though I wonder that 7
am not. returned the major. Bella
mas ceased to love me and has given
her heart to that f1nnicklng fool.
Grantley Chester"
James Rickson was a good deal
startled. but by a powerful effort he
managed to control his feelings.
Come. come" said he, soothingly.
you have taken a prejudiced view OF
some occurrence which daresay a
calm investigation will show was of
q very trivial character"
She gave him the diamond ring.
our engagement ring" answered the
major, land what greater proof could
you ask for?" At the conclusion of
this speech his voice broke into a sob.
and covering his face with his hands.
he gave free vent to his emotion.
James Rickson gazed upon his bro-
ther-in-law's sufferings with feelings of
intense commiseration. but before he
could utter word Of coincidence. the
major spoke again.
You must make all arrangements,
James," said he. II will deal literally
with her. AS for that hound, Chester.
IL the duel had not become ridiculous,
I would parade him tomorrow morn
ing"
But are you certain that she gave
him the ring? How did you come by
the information?" asked Rickson.
THAT faithful fellow. Akram. after
keeping the matter secret for some
days for fear Of hurting my feelings
told me at last, how Chester had paid
a visit 70 my wife. of which she never
told me. and that he saw the diamond
ring gittering upon his finger as he
rode away"
"Oh. so Akram is your informant. 4.
he?" exclaimed James. a good deal re-
lieved. well, will you promise TO do
nothing In hurry: leave the matter
in my hands. and I think l shall be
able to prove to you that you are en-
tirely mistaken with regard to the
relations of your wife and Chester.
and that she never gave him the ring
at ALL"
"If you can do that you will render
me the greatest service in the world"
answered Manvers. II will do as you
wish. but for PHYS sake do not let the
trial be long one"
"All shall be settled in two davs"
returned James. Now go home. and
say nothing to anyone"
The major agreed, and with that
assurance the brothers-in-law parted.
The next morning it was noised all
over the cantonment that Major Man
vers had asserted that valuable dia-
mond ring. belonging to his wife, was
and that he had given notice
to the Kotuol native inspector OF no.
lice). No one was, therefore. at al
when strong body of police
down upon the the whole do
mestic establishment of Major Manvers
and instituted most rigid search for
the missing ring; their houses. their
clothes, and in fact all their belong.
ings were thoroughly investigated. bnt
without any success, for the MISSING
ring still remained invisible. After the
police had retired, James Rickson STEM
ped forward, and addressing the as.