Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1897-12-08


older heads than mine to solve this
problem.
II am glad that you are not as easily
convinced by this array Of evidence as
our young friend thinks the jury will
be. As suppose you want the truth,
promise you that I will use all my best
skill to unravel this mystery"
"Do 80, MI. Barnes, and will give
you $1,000. have saved some money,
and although that is large sum
will give it cheerfully."
"Thank you for your generous offer,
but am going to work now as duty.
The innocent must not and shall not
suffer if can prevent it. Besides, my
professional pride is aroused in this
now"
The three men then turned their steps
toward the town and walked along in
silence. Each of the party had much
with which to occupy his thoughts, and,
besides, the recent scene had caused
rather restraint, at least between two
of them. Just before they reached the ho-
tel, however, MIR. Barnes asked Bur-
rows; ~ , au,a xu,.,
that pistol?"
"There are three empty shells in 1t. "
"That is to say, it has been used twice
since the shot which Marvel fred at the
birthday party9"
Evidently
Mr.. Barnes said no more, and a
few minutes later they all were at the
hotel, whence they went to the depot
Burrows and Lewis started by train for
Dover, and Mr.. Barnes for Boston.
Reaching that city, he went directly to
the agency and reported all that had oc.
Cured. He was closeted with the chief
for over an hour, but was unable to con-
vince that parsonage that Burrows was
on wrong scent. On the contrary, he
seemed to think that the young man had
shown considerable ability in ferreting
out the truth Of the matter.
"Well," said Mr.. Barnes, "you must
choose between me and him. If you re-
fuse to recall him from the case, you
must accept my resignation from the
agency"
II should be sorry to lose our best
man." responded the chief, "but, real
ly, your request seems a little unreason-
able to me. Burrows has only done
what we must consider a service, and it
would be manifestly unjust to let him
suffer for it" ,o,,,,,,,
"Well, I don't see"-
"There are no half way measures
which you can adopt 1t must be either
Burrows or Barnes. Come, decide at
oncel have no time to wasteP'
"Well, then, since you will have 1t,
you force me to accept your resignation,
though I regret it very much.
Sentiment is unnecessary, said Mr..
Barnes dryly. Good morning. Before
the chief could say word he was gone,
and his superior more than half doubted
the wisdom of the course which he had
pursued. But that is only mans ma
ture. We often decide quickly, only to
regret as soon as the decision is irrev-
ocable.
Leaving the agency, Mr.. Barnes pro-
ceeded to q telegraph Office and sent a
dispatch to the clerk Of the court at
Dover, asking for news as to the result
of the examination before the grand
jury. This done, he went to his home
and dined, after which he waited impa-
tiently for telegram from Dover, be-
cause he had decided to do nothing un-
til he should hear from the court officer.
The afternoon passed, and the evening,
till at length he concluded that he
would not hear till the following day,
and therefore retired to rest. Early in
the morning he received the dispatch,
which read:
Marvel indicted for murder"
This was only what he had expected,
but he could not repress all exclamation
of disgust at what he still thought was
the consequence of criminal interference
on the part of Burrows. What should he
do next?
That was the point to settle, but
while he ate his breakfast and pondered
over this point servant announced that
lady wished to see him. He at once
repaired to his parlor, whittier she had
been shown, and was astounded to see
Virginia Lewis.
"You are no doubt surprised that I
am here"
II have been set at liberty, and Mr..
Marvel has been indicted by the grand
jury"
~ have just received telegram to
that effect"
"What will you do next? I went to
the agency in search Of you and learned
that you have severed your connection
with the case. Will you tell me why
you did so?"
Because they refuse to recall Mr..
Burrows.
"Then you do not think that the evil
dence which he discovered proves the
guilt of Mr.. Marvel?"
"Miss Lewis. must tell you that
did not credit the story which you told
duplicating yourself, and if I believe
in your innocence must also believe in
Mr.. Marvel's."
"Why so?"
Burrows is no doubt right In claim.
ing that the murderer is the man who
IIade the trip to Epping that night,
but think he is wrong in his identifi-
cation of this man."
II thought he had that all thorough
ly explained"
"Miss Lewis, 1 imagine from your
coming here that you wish my aid
II have come to you because | fan
cied that you believe Mr.. Marvel inno'
cent. wish you to try to prove it."