The Delta independent., 1897-11-12

laps-d into deep thought.
'llave these mysteries any relation
to. or any connection with, the scaled
cellar?" he finally asked.
''The woman said nothing about the
strange events being located in any par-
ticnlar place. and did not think la ask
her." replied. The old lawyers Iues-
tion opened up new train Of Thought.
voice / had heard proceeded from the
sealed cellar?
'Ah. ! suppose the women are su-
perstitious and think the place is
haunted. Such ideas generally get
abroad about old, long vacated houses.
But you do not mind their talk?
You are not afraid of ghosts. are you?"
The old fellows eyes twinkled n,erri!y.
swell l have never come across any
Of those shadowy beings. l could tell
better after / met one. l hardly think
talk aIono could frfghten me-" replied,
somewhat shamefncedly. remembering
how nearly ! had been unncryed the
night before by my own reflection.
N..I will he over some time tomorrow.
and will see If anything can be done re-
gnrding the mysterious cellar" Mr..
Sonntag said. as rose 10 leave. "Aid
pardon me for referring TO the unfor-
tunate atfair-havc you heard of any
new Developments in the robbery case?'
"what!" exclaimed. you know oft
too?"
"Certainly. lived near Philadelphia
at the time and read the papers" he
replied. smilingly.
at seems cannot escape hearing of
that terrible affair" / said, bitterly.
"And l acted the part OF fool. too. in
the matter. Instead Of putting forth
every effort to find the perpetrators
let the thing go; let others. who could
not possibly have had the interest in
the case that l had. undertake investi-
cations. I am rightly served for my
supineness, for I have heard nothing
about it at all. l know what ! knew
the morning Of it's occurrence, not bit
more. Others have failed; intend To
rec now what can do"
"You intend going into the affair.
them" he said, dryly.
: II do, with all the energy and re-
source am possessed Of"
. do you know how near you came
to being arrested for the crime?'
Sonntag asked.
.'Why, yes. / know. of course. that
would have happened could anything
have been found against me-"
: We'll. there was enough to hold you,
on suspicion at least"
Then why did you not arrest me?
4 am sure l was willing. courted
trial"
< ut was very seriously talked Of
among the trustees. But the president
opposed II. for one," Sonntag said.
Yes. know he really believed mo
Innocent"
but his objection was not the strong
,sst .inauence which arose in your be-
hsn. continued my agent. "The
strongest. most powerful opposition TO
ence outweighs even the presidy9t's."
"You cannot mean"
sylvester Morley" interrupted tho
lawyer.
'Mr. Morley" exclaimed. joyfully.
For knew. great as Sylvester Moriey's
influence was. there was one who WELD
ed n greater, sincc she could influence
her father. Was IL her sweet self that
had come to my aid through her
father? 1t would be Happiness to know
this; but then-why hisd she passed
me without n greeting?
My face must have told whole story
to the shrewd old lawyer. When 1
turned toward him again there was q
very grave expression on his face, md u
contemplative look about his sharp
eyes as he regarded me.
"You seem highly elated by this" he
said.
''Oh. nm. What young man would
not feel highly honored In knowing
that a man Of Mr.. MorI-y's standing
had defended him?' exclaimed.
The old fellow saw the blush which
spread over my face. however, and he
smiled as he replied: II do not court
your confidence. but 1t is plain there is
some power behind MIR. Morley which
led that gentleman to defend you. Now.
believe me. Mr.. Conway, do not ask
for curiosity; there Is ~ grave purpose
in the question am nbou; TO ask you"
he went ON. as the smile died from his
face and what seemed To me to be deep
concern appeared instead. THE qucs-
ton 10 this: Are you an especial friend
Of Miss MorIey's7 Are you engaged TO
marry her?'
"No. But, had the suspicion Of the
robbery not fallen upon me. probably
would have asked her 10 he my wife
long before now" replied. rather won
dering at myself for telling this to the
old fellow on so short an acquaintance.
'Ah. she loves you. them"
THAT 1 cannot say. believe she did
think very highly Of me Mt ono time;
but ] Promised not to hold any com
munication with her until my inno-
cence was known. II is n yenr since
then. Whether her feeling for me has
changed or not do not know"
~You have stuck TO your promise,