The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1897-07-12
CHAPTER I.
THE CRIME.


him. Marvel's no fool If he is hot head
ed, and he knows enough to keep under
cover now that they are after him."
"That's all right, Everly, and, AZ
you say, ! guess Marvel can hide away
well enough. But what I want to know
10, what's he got to hide forf He amt
done nothing as can see 'cept to fire off
his pistol when be was mad as thunder. !"
'aknd right he was, too" said anoth-
er lonnger in the saloon where this con-
versation occurred. II say any man Of
grit would have done the same. Why,
didn't the old man try to disgrace him
right before his sweetheart and lot Of
girls?"
swell, anyway" said the storekeep-
er, removing his pipe to speak, smart
or fool, I guess they'll get him. / hear
as how the squire is terrible cut up
about this thing, and he's sent down to
Boston for regular detective.
1.-THE squirrels sent to Boston for a
deteetive?" said Everly. II wouldn't
have believed that the squire would do
such thing. To set o spy on the track
Of one Of his neighborsl Why, it's dis.
graceful" -.
Over In the corner, on chairs drawn
up close to the stove, sat two strangers.
They had arrived in Lee that morning,
and after taking drinks at this the only
tavern in the town had apparently set
about getting warm. The elder Of the
two here venturod remark.
Gentlemen" said he, iii you'll
pardon the curiosity Of stranger, I'd
like to ask you what crime this young
man has committed"
A pause followed, while the strangers
became the object Of close scrutiny by
all present. Finally Will Everly stepped
forward, and, looking his interrogation
steadily in tho face, said:
II am Will Everly, Walter Marvel's
friend. Before I answer any of your
questions must know who you arc and
why you wish to know this story"
"Your talk aroused my curiosity"
said the stranger.
Twill you deny that you are detect
ive?" Everly eyed his man closely, but
not sign indicated that the question
had caused surprise. He was disap-
pointed, for he had expected him to be
disconnected. The reply was simple.
II shall not deny it, for never lie. "
He handed EVERY card upon which
was neatly engraved. John Barnes,
Detective. Boston,
After reading IL, conciliated by the
detectives honesty, Everly said:
II thank you for your candor. I sus-
pected you, for we seldom have strangers
in Lee. As I am Marvel's friend, and as
you have come here to make trouble for
him, you will pardon Inc if I give you
no information which will be Of use to
you"
"No need, young man. We'll get
along we'll enough without you" Ever
ly recognized the voice of Squire Olney,
who had just entered, and he turned
away. The squire shook Mr.. Barnes
cordially by the hand, saying:
"You are Mr.. Barnes. the man sent
down by the Pilkingtons, presume? I
am glad you are SO punctual. Iexpected
to find you here, as received dis
patch from your chief last night As
soon as you are ready I shall take you
up to Mr.. Lewis house. for it is in con-
nection with his affair that I sent for
you" .ee..' , ..-,-
II am ready to 60 with you at once"
said Mr.. Barnes in an undcrtone, but
first let me introduce to you my friend
Mr.. Burrows. He is young man in
whom the chief ia interested, and he
works with the older men that he may
acquire experience. He is beginner,
but he is shrewd and promises to be-
come first class detective"
Burrows arose, and the squire shook
hands with him, whereupon the three
men exchanged a few words in an I'M
dertone. Meanwhile another stranger
appeared upon the scene. This was a
man dressed in the garb of sailor. He
ordered hot drink, for which he paid
in advance. Then he asked one or two
questions, whereupon the storekeeper
called out:
II say, squirrel Here's man you
may as well see."
Thus summoned, the squire left the
detectives and approached the new
conner.
well, my man," he asked, what
can ] do for your
my name is John Lewis" was the
reply II have been at sea for several
years, but have at last reached home
again, or rather I should say my fathers
home, for this is my first visit to Lee.
was asking to be directed to my IA
TIERS house when this gentleman told
me that you were about to go there and
might be willing to take me with you"
II shall be delighted to do so," said
the squire, offering his hand to Lewis
in cordial recognition. II have often
heard your father speak Of you, and as
know that he loves you and longs for
your return it will be pleasure to me
to restore his son to him."
"You can't think how your words
gladden. me-" said Lewis, apparently
overcome by emotion. II ran away
from home when was youngster,
and now that I have come back it is
good news to hear that welcome
awaits me-"
".Welcomep Yes, indeed. Your father
has often said to me that he would
oheerfully forgive your foolish escapade
II you would but return. But come We i
must start at once. have business Of
Importance with your father this morn
ing, and am taking detective with
me to his house."
"A detective' exclaimed Lewis. He
seemed startled, and Tom Burrows,
who was watching him, noted that he
glanced hurriedly around the room, his
eyes resting finally upon Mr.. Barnes
and himself ,-
"Oh, you need not be alarmed" said
the squire, observing his agitation. ut
Is in your fathers interest that have
brought detective from Boston. I will
explain as we go along"
"You must excuse my being startled"
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