San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1897-07-25

movements, hoping unerepy 10 EOs44.
something. Of course Marvel could not
guess that the man standing in the
doorway was detective or that he was
watched. Therefore he would act as his
real Intentions prompted him. he SEEM
ed wholly absorbed in the paper before
him, which he read and reread num-
Der of times, ending by crumpling it up
In his hand and starting up from his
chair. He stood gazing from the win
dow awhile and then paced nervously
up and down. This lasted some min
utes, when he suddenly resumed his
seat, took the crumpled letter from his
pocket where he had thrust it and care.
fully smoothed out the creases ON his
knee. He again read its contents over
and over. Suddenly, with a smothered
ejaculation, he tore the letter into
pieces and scattered them on the floor
Then he spoke few words to the hotel
clerk and hurried up stairs.
Mr.. Barnes ut once proceeded to col
lect the scattered fragments of the let
ter and, carefully placing them in an
envelope, consigned that to his wallet
until such time as he might be able t.
match the pieces together again. This
done, he quietly seated himself and
waited.
In about ten minutes Walter Marvel
reappeared, coming down the stairs,
and hurried out to the street, Mr.
Barnes following him.
He directed his course toward the
wharfs and finally walked to the end
of ore, whtie he went aboard a schooner
lying tL,le. By irqviIing among the
longshoremen the detective soon learned
that this vessel, the Eclipse, was bound
for the West Indies and was to sail i'm.
mediately. Mr.. Barnes saw at once that
it was now time to take active meas
ures or he would lose his man after all.
Boarding the vessel, he sought out the
captain and explained to him what he
wished to do. The master seemed of 1
surly disposition and little inclined t.
render any assistance. He did not, in
deed, refuse TO let Mr.. Barnes see Mar
vel, but he positively declined to TAX,
any part in the matter himself.
Descending to the cabin, almost the
first individual whom he met was Mar
vel, and Mr.. Barnes, approaching him,
addressed him as follows:
MIR. Marvel, l believer"
"That is my name, but you are a
stranger to me-"
Mr. Marvel, l have very unpleas,
ant duty to perform and hope you will
pardon Inc if proceed at once to ex.
plain, as | fear that the captain may
sail at any minute. 7"
"You cannot explain too quickly tc
suit me, replied Marvel.
'Mr Marvel, how long is it since
you left Wadley's Falls?'
why do you ask?"
"Please answer me first, and prom,
Use full explanation afterward.
THAT arrangement does not suit me.
You are q stranger to mel do not even
know how it is that You are acquainted
with my name-and l therefore deny
that you have any right to question
me. f"
Mr.. Marvel. i am a detective"
"Well?'
"a murder has been committed at
Wadley's Falls, and'-Mr. Barnes
paused to note the effect of his words,
but Marvel seemed turned to stone, he
was so impassive-"will you venture tC
guess who the victim ISL"
"John Lewisi" said Marvel in q
hoarse whisper. He dropped into Il
chair and buried his face in his hands.
His trouble seemed SO poignant that fol-
some minutes Mr.. Barnes could not find
it in his heart to disturb him. Finally,
however, realizing that time was pre-,
cious, he said:
'Mr. Marvel, will you return with
me to Lee?"
"Why should I?'' answered Marvel,
looking up suddenly. aroused by the
question.
Because it may be necessary for you
to prove your whereabouts OIL that night
in order to disarm suspicion, and"-
DO you mean to accuse me of this
crime?" said Marvel vehemently.
Il never make an accusation till
have positive proof" returned Mr..
Barnes, "and that / have not in this
case-at least not yet. advise you tc
keep your temper and be guarded in
what you say, for your words may be
used against you"
"You are insolentl How dare you
speak TO me in that way!"
Come, Mr.. Marvel; time presses.
Will you accompany me peaceably?"
.LAIN. AMl !.