Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1896-11-16

said:
What explanation have you? l
learn that you have been alone with
the works of art for more than half an
hour, and during the time no one has
been near the gallery"
1T is a matter of opinion, my lord,
I returned, looking hard at the keeper;
"a noise | heard warrants my belief
that some one secretly did enter"
do you want to throw suspicion on
me?" exclaimed Crackenthorpe. 1T
would not be the first time you have
falsely charged me with dishonesty.
The nObleman waved his hand and
said to me:
1t is very painful to me, but have no
alternative. You must be searched"
"Forbear, my lord" l calmly replied,
spare me such humiliation"
Hear me for moment only" cried the
keeper. L assure you he is a man of dis
reputable character" and, creeping closer
to me, Crackenthorpe struck my breast
pocket and Kissed out: What have you
there?"
knew full well, heaven knows. but what
could 1 do?
Il have no property of Lord Mountfal-
cons I said, and Mr.. Crackenthorp
knows that perfectly we'll"
"Disprove his charge, then. by produce
inc what your pocket contains, WITS the
answer. Il can have no more delay. If
YOU again refuse what is demanded one of
my servants must ride OFF to Salisbury for
a constable"
Surveying the whole situation, answer
ed:
ALLOW me a private interview, Lord
Mountfalcon. and 1 can give you such an
explanation that must remove all suspic-
ion"
What the nobleman's answer might have
been | know not. At the moment wild
hooking came from the garden.
What is that?" exclaimed Lord Mount
falcon. anxiously: surely 1 know the
sound
In an instant he quilted the gallery.
soon confused voices, intermngled with
the angry tones of the master OF the man.
sion, arose in the corridor Something I'M
usual had taken place. In few minutes
Lord Mountfalcon. strangely pale, re-en-
tered and laid the missing miniature on the
table. He said to me. with extended hand:
Il deeply regret we have caused you so
much anxiety. Hear my explanation. \
niece of mine, unfortunately of weak in
teuect. gained admission in some ineXph-
cable manner to the gallery. The noise
YOU heard doubtless came from her en-
trance or departure. a gardener observed
her unattended and. following the young
lady. saw her cast something into the ro-
sary. 1t was the portrait taken from the
table where you had deposited it. l deeply
regret that you should have been placed in
such an awkward situation"
by the way" he added to Cracken-
thorpe. lit Is a mystery TO me how Lady
Hester could have obtained entrance here.
BY means of that locked door she is en-
tirely cut off from this side of the man
sion. Has the door been unlocked since
my orders"
Il have no knowledge of it, 30 faltered the
keeper turning pale.
Lord MountfalcOn crossed to the door,
and it opened on the handle being turned.
What transpired I did not learn until an
hour later
As sat down over my luncheon began
TO see my way to the possibility of obtain
ing a clew to the history of the miniature
in my pocket. Atherstone had given me
some facts. but had been sensitive about
disclosing them. 1t was not long before l
was closeted with the owner of the Shrew-
ton court. In a lull of conversation his
lordship observed in a quiet way:
WAS it solely an interest in art bring
ing you TO Merivale?'
I answered in the negative.
81 thought So" was the reply. Now we
have established friendly relations. may |
ask why at first you so strongly resisted
my demand of your being searched?'
Because. my lord, l answered, Il have
such a terrible witness of guilt in my
pocket.
What was it?" observed the nobleman.
"Only this, I replied, handing over the
replica.
Silence in the room was only broken by
the faint ticking of a small French clock.
81 am astounded." cried the nobleman.
Surely this is my miniature. Yet. no!
NV own was slightly stained by the wet
glass of the rosary. To whom does it be-
long?"
II am ignorant" was my answer 1t
has been in the hands OF a dealer for sale,
and one of his clients is eager TO ascertain
how it came to be painted"
"Who is that?"
81 have no knowledge" I replied
well observed the nobleman, L
would pay handsome reward to ma
out the history of the thing. Have you
any key to unlock the mystery
No said. but most likely Cocken-
thorpe has May l put him through
cross-examination in your presence?'
..Rv all means" returned Lord Mont
falcon; 1T may prevent his being lodged
in iaH That unlocked door in the blue
gallery has revealed what a grossly dis
honest fellow he is. Ask him what you
please"
Sam Crackenthorpe, fearful Of being
prosecuted by his master, answered every
question I put The examination, as near
as 1 can recollect, was as follows
well. Mr.. Crackenthorpe, you know
this facsimile of the miniature you assert
ed I had in my pocket
yes"
"Who painted it?
Mr. Moule.
'VVhere?"
in my sitting room
"Who obtained his servlces?"
Il did"
AT whose request
"A lady came to see the galleries after
Lord MountfaIcon went OFF to the Mediter-
ranean."
Her name?"
Miss Wincaunton."
where did she see the original minia-
ture?"
AT Moslem. the jewelers., in Piccadil-
""