Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1897-09-09

''That Accused Znna Has Been mt 1t
Again."
Somerville returned; and from London
he jcurneyed straight to Southampton,
having very natural dread Of making
any inquiries at Exeter street. He in
stalled himself, as Mr.. John Graham,
at the George hotel and in due course
summoned Mrs. Baxter.
He was an old friend. he explained,
OF MIR. Ernest Norton, who had so un-
accountahly disappeared; and, having
seen the advertisement inserted some
time previously by some person called
Zana, he had come down to elicit such
information rs might be Forthcoming
concerning his missing friend, and to
offer his own services in the task of
discovering his whereabouts.
You will understand, madam" he
added. that am acting solely In my
capacity as an old and dear friend of
Mr.. Norton, and, therefore, l am we'll
assured you will give ME every assist
ance in your power"
We'll, SIR" replied the landlady,
you are welcome to hear all 1 know
about the matter, though, as you're a
friend of Mr.. Nortons l warn you be-
forehand that it is very little to his
credit, to say the least Of it,
How so"' Queried Somerville.
Whereupon Mrs. Baxter, nothing
10th to have so willing and attentive
listener, told him all she knew about
Norton and Zana, with such criticisms
and comments upon that gentleman's
conduct thrown in as her prejudices
suggested.
"Then you believe that he has SIM
ply hidden himself or gone abroad to
escape from this girl?" suggested
Somerville.
Certain sure of it, Mr.. Graham"
was the prompt reply. "There was
detective down here two days ago
from Scotland Yard asking questions
just as you might be now, sir; and, al
though he didn't seem to think much
of my opinion at first, think pretty
he left. Why, Miss Zana herself,
blinded as she was by her infa tuation
for the man, has come round to see
him in his true colors at last. I'll just
read you what she says in her very
last letter."
We'll, must confess appearances
seem dead against my FRIEND" re-
marked Somerville, when Zana's letter
had been read; "but then, you know,
Mrs Baxter, appearances are some
times deceptive and we must not con-
denim him too hastily"
"Oh, of course, you take his part,
sir" exclaimed Mrs. Baxter, bridling.
Gentlemen always do back each other
up where a woman is concerned. But
ii you can show me the smallest room
for doubt in the whole dirty business
I would like to know where it comes
i'm
"Why it is affirmed that ne never
went to the bank at ALL" said Somer-
vile; that he was, in fact, personated
by some one else"
(which means that he simply sent
this some one else to draw what
money he required!' retorted the land
lady. Had he gone himself he might
have had to give his address, and that
didn't suit his little game. Don't tell
me, sir. The plain English of it is that
Mr.. Norton has behaved most disgrace
fully, and I'm sure my heart bleeds for
that poor lamb he deceived so cruelty"
Somerville with difficulty concealed
the satisfaction which these outspoken
views caused him. If only the Scot
land Yard people should come to share
them the whole affair would quickly
drop out of sight. Even Zana had
ceased to believe in her lover, and had
abandoned all thoughts of finding him!
This was an unexpected stroke of luck.
She whom he regarded as the most
dangerous Of all his possible adver-
saries had voluntarily retired from the
contest.
"a good thing for her, he muttered
as he took his seat in the London ex-
press, ''for had she continued to edge
on these detective fellows I would
have risked good deal to remove her
from my path. Now 1 have only my
wife to deal with, and, flatter myself,
know how to manage her!'
The next day found him at Scarbor-
ough, where his wife welcomed him
with delight, and his mother-in-law
with that semi-aifection politeness
usually bestowed upon not very SYM
pathetic son-in-law.
"But. dear me, Richard" remarked
Mrs. Somerville, when they were alone,
chow that hair you are growing on
your face does alter you! 1 declare
shall not know you if you grow full
beard"
cts the fashion abroad" he replied
CURLY, land it saves me the trouble Of
shaving. Tell me, Helen, do you read
the newspapers regularly down here:"
"No, dear, I rarely see one. Mamma
objects to them upon the grounds that
they are always full Of horrors and
only sIbscrlbes to few religious pub
lications. Why do you ask?'
ooh, no particular reason he made
answer. II think your mother is quite
right; ordinary newspapers ate not tit
literature for women. BY the way, you
remember my friend Norton?"
"Of course do, Richard. pray for
him every day."
Somerville scowled; this sort Of talk
Jared upon him.
Bother your prayers!' he retortcd
brutally. Morton don't need them.
But want you to be careful never to
speak Of him or to alludc to him as
friend of mine"
"Why. Richard, have you quarreled
with him."
"Quarrelnd? Rubbish. The fact is,
he has go. into some scrape over a
girl. belieye) and he has deemed it
prudent to keep out of the way for a
time; IN fact, he may never return to
. England at ali Certain persons are
d0lnr ff Stv.,,,