Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1897-11-03

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the letter handed to q man at the win
dow.
Not knowing whether this was Mar
vel himself or merely some messenger,
Mr.. Barnes determined for the present
simply to follow him, more especially
as he did not break the seal Of the let
ter, but after glanoing at the address
consigned 1t to his pocket. Leaving the
building, the man proceeded to small
hotel, at a considerable distance from
the postofioe and In the vicinity Of the
docks. Mr.. Barnes concluded that II
was little more than sailors boarding
house, and 1t puzzled him to guess why
Marvel had chosen this place. Entering
the door, which led in on level with
the street, the man seated himself on a
chair and then, producing the letter,
broke the seal and read.
The act satisfied Mr.. Barnes that
Walter Marvel was before him, but 1t
suited him still to spy awhile upon bis
movements, hoping thereby to learn
something. OF course Marvel could not
guess that the man standing In the
doorway was detective or that he was
watched. Therefore he would act as bis
real intentions prompted him. He SEEM
ed wholly absorbed III the paper before
him, which he read and reread num-
ber Of times, ending by crumpling 1t up
in his hand and starting up from bis
chair. He stood gazing from the win
dow awhile and then paced nervously
up and down. This lasted some min
utes, when he suddenly resumed his
seat, took the crumpled letter from his
pocket where he had thrust 1t and care
fully smoothed out the creases on bis
knee. He again read its contents over
and over. Suddenly, with smothered
ejaculation, he tore the letter into
pieces and scattered them on the floor.
Then he spoke few words to the hotel
clerk and hurried up stairs.
Mr.. Barnes at once proceeded to col
leot the scattered fragments Of the let
ter and, carefully placing them in an
envelope, consigned that to his wallet
until such time as he might be able to
match the pieces together again. This
done, he quietly seated himself and
waited.
In about ten minutes Walter Marvel
reappeared, coming down the stairs,
and hurried out to the street, MI.
Barnes following him.
He directed his course toward the
wharfs and finally walked to the end
Of one, where he went aboard schooner
lying there. By inquiring among the
longshoremen the detective soon learned
that this vessel, the Eclipse, was bound
for the West Indies and was to sail i'm
mediately. Mr. Barnes saw at once that
it was now time to take active meas
ures or he would lose his man after all.
Boarding the vessel, he sought out the
captain and explained to him what he
wished to do. The master seemed Of a
surly disposition and little inclined to
render any assistance. He did not, In.
deed, refuse to let Mr.. Barnes see Mar
vel, but he positively declined to take
any part in the matter himself.
Descending to the cabin, almost the
first individual whom he met was Mar
vel, and Mr.. Barnes, approaching him.
addressed him as follows:
"Mr. Marvel, I believer"
"That is my name, but you are q
stranger to me-"
"Mr. Marvel, I have a very unpleas-
ant duty to perform and hope you will
pardon me if proceed at once to ex-
plain, as I fear that the captain may
sail at any minute"
"You cannot explain too quickly to
suit me" replied Marvel.
''Mr. Marvel, how long Is 1t since
you left Wadley's Falls?"
"Why do you ask?"
''Please answer me first, and I prom
ise full explanation afterward."
''That arrangement does not suit me.
You are stranger to mel do not even
know how it is that you are acquainted
with my name-and I therefore deny
that you have any right to question
me-"
"Mr. Marvel. am detective"
"Wellp"
"a. murder Eas been committed at
Wadley's Falls, and"-Mr. Barnes
paused to note the effect Of his words,
but Marvel seemed turned to stone, he
was 80 impassive-"will you venture to
guess who the victim is?"
"John Lewisl" said Marvel In a
hoarse whisper. He dropped into a
chair and buried his face In his hands.
His trouble seemed 80 poignant that for
some minutes Mr.. Barnes could not find
it in his heart to disturb him. Finally,
however, realizing that time was pre-
cious, he said:
"Mr. Marvel. will you return with
me to Lee?"
"Why should Ip" answered Marvel,
looking up suddenly. aroused by the
question.
Because 1t may be necessary for you
to prove your whereabouts on that night
in order to disarm suspicion, and"-
"Do you mean to accuse me Of this
crime?" said Marvel vehemently.
II never make an accusation till !
have positive proof" returned Mr..
Barnes, land that I have not in this
case-at least not yet. I advise you to
keep your temper and be guarded in
what you say, for your words may be
used against you"
"You are insolent! How dare you
speak to me in that way?'
"Come, Mr.. Marvel; time presses.
Will you accompany me peaceably?"
''Do you mean as your prisoner"
"No. Let us say as q witness" But
at that word Marvel recoiled and SEEM
ed alarmed. All the anger departed
from his voice as he said: