Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1896-04-15
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y. 49, V3S1RESHsS

but when, to add to this, the murderer
was aware of his companions suspicious
perhaps, too, that he was the only per
son that held them-the position grew
positively dangerous.
1T is to question you a. to those facts
am here" continued the Colonel.
1T is quite illegal-against all eti
auette," stammered the Commissioner. IL
return.
"Granted. Still don't think you will
refuse to let me know what case you have
against me, and allow me to prove myself
innocent if can"-with half smile.
But you cannot" was the violent re-
tort. the speaker losing his magisterial
demeanor in the evaporation he felt at
the audacious cOmposure Of the othse.
| "WhO else had any motive for commit.
. ting such a crime? You were In love
with Miss Knox; she was first engaged to
the deceased, and afterward, when that
! marry you while he lived. She COM
! planned to you of the persecution to which
she was subjected by him, and almost i'm
mediately the persecution ceased; though
! not-heaven forbid!-as she intended. All
this have directly, or indirectly, learned
and more still remains to be proved"
The merest circumstantial evidence
| remarked the Colonel, gently impatient.
"Not a case to bring into court, certainly:
and 1t falls TO pieces at once before the
defense that I have brought. Will you
oblige me, Mr.. Knollys, by reading this :''
! He handed over the paper containing
the statement that Valentine had drawn
, out and Major Larron subsequently
signed.
: A little nervously the Deputy Commis-
I sionsr fixed his glasses to peruse it. An
uneasy doubt crept into his mind wheth-
er he had not been premature in his con-
clusions, or Mt least expressed them too
frankly. Then. when he had read II
through, his glasses fell, and he stared in
Speechless, open-mouthed dismay before
him.
, Il can hardly credit that you ever really
believed me capable of such an act"
The Deputy Commissioner looked the
picture of contrition and confusion.
"Forgive me, Colonel Prinsep. l can
not express my regret" he faltered out.
do not attempt it, please. Let 1t be
forgotten. l shall never revive the mat.
| ter, and you can atone for your mistake
| BY maintaining q similar silence"
Then Colonel Prinsep repaired to the
| Quartermaster's bungalow. He asked 10
Zee Mr.. Knox himself. and was clOseted
with him for more than an hour. When
| he came out, Jane was waiting in the
veranda.
1T is all right. 1 can see 1t in your
syes!" she cried, coming eagerly toward
him.
what a wise little girl 1t is! Yes.
think the danger Is over now. But there
| IL one thing you may not like. Your
! father is sending In his papers, and will
go home at once. 1t was impossible thu.
ne could remain in the regiment. You
see that, don't you!"
Jane nodded comprehensively, but her
countenance fell. Even when they had
been going for a year she felt q dread
foreboding that they might never meet
again; but now that this eternal separa.
ton was certain-did he feel not a tinge
Of regret?
She stole hurried upward glance. He
was looking grave, yet not absolutely
sad; as their eyes met he even gave q
slow smile. If he felt no sorrow In saying
farewell. she must not betray her owp.
ut is best 60. suppose" she observed
1T was the only thing that could bl
aone." he insisted, gently. Then, after q
slight pause, he added: 81 am spending
Christmas at the Molnets' with Mira
Dene. Have you any message cau
takeT
"None, 1 thank ynu."
The Colonel was looking down at hel
steadily; and a. he gazed, an expression
Of restrained yearning came into his eyes
Yet he made no sign. Sweet as 1t wouli
have been to whisper words in her cal
that would have cleared away the sad
ness from the pretty, pathetic face, b,
dared not risk anything by a prematur,
! reimbursement Better far that she shoult
suffer something now for awhile than con
iemn them both to lifelong misery.
"Good-by, Jenny" he said, gently.
A bright flush suffused her face. Sh,
raised her eyes shyly. and half laughed
| more In tenderness than mirth.
| What q frail barrier it was betweel
them, after all.