The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1897-10-13
OBJ MatfyBntan alla Ssl'tgrol',
WEDNESDAY. OCT. 13. 1897.


Copyright, 1897. by G. P. Putnam's sona]
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"
ssThat is my name. but you are a
stranger to me,
g Mr.. Marvel, I have very unpleas-
ant duty to perform and hope you will
pardon me if I proceed at once to ex-
plain, as fear that the captain may
sail at any minute. .
You cannot explain too quickly to
suit me, y replied Marvel
eMr. Marvel, how long Is it since
you left Wadley's Falls?''
Why do you asks''
please answer me first, and : prom
Use 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. y
sc Mr.. Marvel, am a detective %
sWell?''
x murder has 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 so impassive-s'will you venture to
guess who the victim is?''
g John Lewisr' said Marvel in a
hoarse whisper. He dropped into a
chair and buried his face in his hands.
His trouble seemed SO 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. viii you return with
me to Lee?''
why should I:'' answered Marvel,
looking up suddenly. aroused by the
question.
g Because it may be necessary for you
to prove your whereabouts on that night
in order to disarm suspicion, and"-
De you mean to accuse ms Of this
crime?'' said Marvel vehemently.
81 never make an accusation till I
have positive proof, returned Mr..
Barnes, '.and that / 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.
ssYou are insolent! How dare you
speak to me in that way"
ssCome, Mr.. Marvel; time presses.
Will you accompany me peaceably:"
ssDo you rean as yolr pr1soner?'
# no. Let us say as u witness. . But
{ at that word Marvel recoiled and SEEM
ed alarmed. All the anger departed
from his voice IS ic said:
Have you warrant fcr ny arrest?
Can you force me to goar
Mr.. Barnes shook his head negatively,
and Marvel heaveG Sigh of relief as
he muttered: 'sThen Will not so I
cannot. I cannot .
Mr.. Barnes was nenplused. He had
counted on finding Marvel willing-nay,
an1ous-to retErn as soon as he should
know that there was any possibility OF
his beingsimplicated in the crime. But
what was he to do now that he refused
10 go back? He could not compel him
without awarrant, and that he not on
1y did not have, but could not procure
before the vessel would sail. He deter
mined to try to induce the captain to
delay starting, though with little hope
OF success, remembering how surly he
had just Shown himself. AS he antici-
pated, the master declared that be
would rot change his plans
Seeing that nothing WAS to be accom-
plished in this way, Ne Barnes sought
the cabin, hoping even yet to persuade
Marvel that his best course was to &C
company him, since If he were guilty
be could not hope to escape extrsdition,
which would be very simple, his desti-
nation being known, while If innocent
it was his duty to return and assist IN
clearing up the matter, thus removing
all doubt.
he found Marvel sitting where he
had left him, staring vacantly before
hiIn. He was so absorbed in thought
ttat the detective was obliged to touch