Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1897-02-14

o'clock. In the interest of our con-
YersdtlOn, quite forgot Scott and his
visit. But the next mOruing''-he
looked at her in a crafty way heard
Of the murder, and found the pOstern
gate open"
"And-and what inference do YOU
draw from all this?' murmured Dora,
with white lips
Il infer that Scott called to see Ju-
Liam with reference to their previous
quarrel. Perhaps to demand proofs as
70 the episode Of Chrisrchurch. l be-
heve that he climbed the wall and en-
tered the house through the glass door
of the drawing room, which Julian had
not locked. l have no doubt that he
found Julian in his study; that Julian
told him the story Of the episode was
locked up in the bureau. No doubt
Scott insisted upon having the papers
which revealed the dishOnOr of his par
ents placed in his hands. Julian would
naturally refuse. Then the quarrel
would recommence, and the end OF 1t
would be-weu" added JOad with a
shrug, you know the rest; Julian was
killed and the bureau robbed or that
paper. What further proof can you de-
sire that DR.. Scott murdered your guar
diane
Dora heard this story with a suifO-
eating feeling in her throat She felt
as though q net were being thrown
round Allen. as though he would be
tangled in It's meshes. IL was true
that he had returned from London on
the night of the murder; but she could
not understand why he should have Wis
tied the Red House at midnight. Then
she remembered that Allen had gone
20 town on business connected with
that terrible conversation with Eder-
mont. What if he had learnt that
EdermOnt had spoken the truth re-
garding the dishOnOr Of his parents, and
had returned 10 avenge himself on the
old man. These thoughts occurred 10
her with lightning rapidIty; but in the
end they all gave place TO one. she
must save him at any cost; 10 do so
she must close JOad's mouth.
Why did YOU not speak Of this be
fOre?' she asked in q trembling voice.
L wished 10 tell you FIRST. You
know that love you. wish YOU 20 be
my wife. If you marry me, Scott VIII
be safe. II not
If not, what would you dO?'
NV duty" said he so.emnly.
The situation was frightful. Dora
felt that she must scream. If only to re-
lieve the tension of her nerves. II
load renowned Allen. the doctor would
be arrested: and what defence could
ne make what explanation could he
give. for coming 70 the Red House on
the night. at the very time, Of the COM
initial of the crime? She said nothing,
trying 10 collect her thoughts, while
Joad blinked at her through his half
shut eyes.
And. after all, you couldn't marry
him, he declared suddenly; he is
guilty
That has yet to be proved, said
Dora family. II cannot believe that
Allen committed so horrible q crime.
His motive
His motive viii be found in the pa
pers he stole said Joad brutality. But
come-yOur answer Consent 20 be my
wife. or 1 go TO the police this even
ing
"You-you must give me time" she
stammered.
Joad nodded. "That is only fair
ne said gravely. Il will give you a
week. II you do not promise by that
time. well-yOur lover goes TO the scat
fold"
How Dora got ont of the library and
climbed the stairs 20 her own room,
she did not know. There was q hum
ming in her ears and the place seemed
10 go round and round. With an ac-
cess Of despair she threw herself ON the
bed and tried TO face the situation. AL
len was innocent. she was certain, al
though no proofs of such innocence pre-
scented themselves az the moment But
on the face of it, his conduct appeared
90 be suspicious. What was he doing at
the Red House at midnight?-why had
he come there by stealth? If load de
nounced him. Dora could see no hope
of saving his life. Still, she could pro-
tect him by becoming the wife of this
disreputable SilenUs. whom she lJaJhed
with all her soul. But ne held Aliens
life "a his hand, and the poor young
fellow was doomed unless he could
make some defence.
Defence, She sat mp suddenly. and
thought. She had not yet heard AL
lens side of the question. Perhaps he
could explain himself and give @ rea-
sOnable excuse for his presence i'm the
study az so untOward an hour She re-
membered that EdermOu- had written
asking Allen 10 call and soc HIM.
Might he not have appointed the con-
ference for midnight. and have left The
postern gate. the glass door, open so
that Allen could enter without at
tracing attention? All this was feas-
ible enough. and might be put forward
in his defense. Even SO straightf1r-
ward a tale would be against the pre-
sumption Of his innocence.
Assuming that he had been in the
study at the appointed hour, how could
ne prove himself guiltless? The fact Of
the previous quarrel was known TO
herself and load. Nothing was more
likely than that they might have con-
tinued their dispute. Perhaps Eder-
mont might have threatened Allen
with his pistol: and 10 protect himself
Scott might have torn the knob kerrie
from the wall But had he struck the
blow? Had he Dora closed her
ewes with a faint cry, 90 SHUT out the
vision Of horror which that thought
cOniured into existence.
Without doubt Allen had been pres
ent in the study at the time Of the muir
der. Joad saw him after twelve
O'Clock. Dora knew that the crime had
been committed q minute or so before
one Ii was lust possible that Allen