Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1897-11-18


ther9 It is very evident that, even II
Miss Lewis tells the truth, she has not
accounted for that mystery. This is a
point that Mr.. Upper mentioned.
II mean to Investigate that matter,
Of course, but have seen stranger
things than that explained away"
well. then, let me call your atten-
ton to another point. Do you remem-
Der the story that the squire told US of
the row at the birthday fetef"
Certainly"
Every good. If you do, you will recol-
lect that the squire said that my father
kept Marvel's pistol. Now, what has
become Of that weapon?"
Mr.. Barnes saw at once the value Of
this. and 1t had certainly not occurred
to him. He was thankful for this con-
versation.
1--WE have not looked for it" he re-
piled. -.
"You may not have done 80. but
have searched everywhere. and it is not
to be found"
Perhaps the squire may have it"
II have asked him, and he assures
me that my father would not part with
the evidence Of the assault which had
been made on him. More than that, the
squire told mo that he kept it locked in
drawer in the parlor."
"How, then, could Marvel have OBJ
tanned it,"
my idea is this: I think that after
his interview with Miss Lewis across
the river Marvel. as he admits, came to
tho farm. I think ho sought an inter-
view with my father; that they quar-
relied, and that my father took up tho
pistol. whereupon Marvel got 1t away
from him and shot him."
Mr. Barnes shook his head. "There
is no sign Of struggle. Besides, If that
is the truth. how could your father have
written the name of Walter Marvel on
the slip Of paperf"
Lewis thought a minute and then re-
piled:
II have it. When my father heard
the barking Of the dog outside, he took
Marvel's pistol and fired at the man
whom he saw there At the same mo-
ment a bullet struck him. This was
either from Lucas pistol or else was
the shot fired by Miss Marvel from the
summer house, as she declared. Then,
when Marvel came, the weapon may
have been on the table right at hand,
for as father was wounded he would
scarcely have thought Of locking up the
weapon again. AS for tho writing, that
may be as Miss Lewis guessed. Ny
father thought Marvel had fred the first
shot and so wrote line to that effect,
not realizing to what extent he had
been wounded.
"But what about the empty she'll in
Miss Lewis weapon?"
perhaps her first statement was cor
rect, aud she had previously fired 1t. or.
again, my father may have fired 1t at
Marvel in self defense.
A silence followed, and Mr.. Barnes
did not speak for several minutes, dur
ing which time he was thinking deeply.
At last, however, he said:
"You are right; it is Of Importance
to find this missing pistol. But where
can wo look for it? That is the ques-
tion.'
II think I can guess that, too, said
the other eagerly--a little too eagerly,
thought MIR. Unconstitutional he re-
flected that when a novice is working
out a mystery Of great crime he Is
usually impetuous. Lewis continued:
Marvel himself described his move
ments OH leaving tho farm. First no
went home; then. making bundle OF
his wet clothes, he threw them into the
river, and, lastly, he went to his old
house in Epping. Now, either no threw
the pistol in the river, or else, remem-
bering that it has his name on it. as
young Harrison testified, he was shrewd
enough to take 1t with him and hide 1t
In the Epping place.
"Your reasoning Is very good. and 10
may be as we'll for me to 60 to Epping
in the morning"
do so, and while you are gone I
will have the river dragged, In the hope
of recovering the clothing"
Mr.. Barnes stopped, looked at Lewis
a moment; then slowly and distinctly
he said:
"Mr. Lewis, I would prefer that you
60 with me to Epping."
"Oh," said Lewis quickly, II should
like that, but thought you detectives
preferred to work alone"
1--WE do, as q rule, but will make
an exception in this case." returned
Mr.. Barnes dryly.
BY this time they had reached River
side, and both at once retired to rest.
MIR. Barnes awoke early and called
Lewis, who was still abed when he en-
tered his room, and together they went
to Squire Olney's house, where Mr..
Barnes explained that something had
turned up which would prevent his ac-
oompanying him to Dover. With Lewis,
he then fastened to the depot, where he
was Just in time to catch the train
which passed at $50, and getting
aboard they reached Epping few min
utes before o'clock.
After little time spent in inquiries
Mr.. Barnes learned the locality Of the
house of which he was In search and at
once repaired thither. Arrived at the
place, which was about mile beyond
the more densely built portion OF tho
town, he found it to be. as described, Ill
O terribly dilapidated condition, and,
recessed considerably from the road, it
was almost hidden amid an overgrowth
of trees and shrubbery. Without any
hesitation the two men entered the
place, but scarcely had they crossed the
threshold of the door when Mr.. Barnes
uttered all exclamation of astonishment,
r.. q l.; ,Sx,/ R.-