Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1896-02-26
CHAPTER XXXIII.

Meanwhile the deputy Commissioners
had not been idle. That there had been
q motive for the crime he felt convinced,
and if this motive were at once discov-
cred it would materially aid the efforts Of
his subordinates. Now, II there were
anything at all in that letter In the Ar
gus, which had finally decided him to
move actively in the matter, Jane Knox
could supply the missing clew. He re-
solved to question her ut once, before she
had time to hear from other sources that
inquiries were on foot, and he would
question her alone.
Circumstances favored him. Two or
three mornings later, as he was walking
to the Cutchery, he met Jane driving
herself, and she pulled up when she saw
him.
MY father went to call On you, Nh.
Knollys. Did you see him?" she asked,
quickly.
"If he went to my Office, must have
! missed him, l am afraid, for am very
late this morning. and my clerks did not
know when to expect me. But is it any
thing you and l can arrange? l need
not say that I shall be delighted to help
you in any way I can"-with a polite
ness that did not seem SO terrible to Jane
as generally It did.
THANK you very much. 1t is about
the small house next to yours, in your
compound almost. They said 1t belonged
to you, when I asked about It for Mrs.
Dene. She has been Ill again-you know
she IL never strong-and II coming here
for change Of air. That house would just
suit her, If you would not mind letting it
for 10 short . time"
"Of course It 10 at her service. i will
send word to the babu directly, to see it
Is made comfortable for her. 1t is partly
furnished already, and whatever il want
ed shall be sent over from my bungalow
river
1.-THE day after tomorrow"
"You will be glad to see your friend"
"Oh, very glad. am to stay with her
drst, until she gets a little stronger"
"Then We shall be very near neighbora
Diana will be pleased when tell her."
In spite of his wish to be ingratiating,
there was q touch Of condescension In his
kindness that Jane instantly detected
She colored and did not reply.
"And now, Miss Knox, there are some
questions / wish to ask yourself" went
on the deputy commissioner. briskly.
II will answer what can"
ut IL on the subject Of the murder OF
Jacob Lynn" he observed, slowly, watch
ing tho expression on her face, and no.
ticing how gradually It grew white and
hard with self-repression. II was away
when the court Of inquiry was held, and
am not satisfied that full endsavors We're
made to bring the matter to just conclu-
sion. I have been informed that at one
time you were engaged to Trooper Lynn
Forgive me for intrudins on your privau
affairs, butts it true"
"Yes."
"And would you mind telling me wheD
this engagement came to an end"
II considered myself free about the
first Of April" she answered, In q low
voice.
onsideredP'-sharply. "Was there
any difference Of opinionf Had Lynn
any reason to think that you were bound
to him stillT"
There was some mistake. I cannot
explain. 1t vast was"
Don't distress yourself, Miss Knov.
Believe me, do not wish to pain You
moro than can help; but 1t 10 my duty
o find out certain facts. Do you nina
ellinR me when-the exact date, IL pos
hble-Lynn admitted you to be free?'
Jane Knox stood for q few moments
ln silence, her face flushing with the feel
lnas of alternate shame and sorrow,
which these questions had provoked.
f, "Did you complain to any one of-of his
| ,nnoyanceT' he asked, after a short
pause, and had to lean forward to catch
the unwilling murmured assent.
| "To whom7 To your father2"
"No."
"Then who was it?"--somewhat imra-
hently.
| Colonel Prinsep."
"Colonel Prinsepf'
| Nothing but that ejaculation, yet Jane
Knew that the suspicion which had been
growing on the deputy commissioner had
become a certainty in his own mind.
Fact after fact had been forced from
her, not rendered BY her own volition,
and with the worst results. By her own
Ips she had bserayed tha lover that abe