The Calhoun chronicle. [volume] (Grantsville, W. Va.) 1883-1984, 1897-07-13

which covered the dead face took n
last, long look on the features [ knew
so well
was aroused from my reflections
by th1 entrance of young Renwood.
who came up to the bedside and
pulled out his cigar case. several
papers dropping from his pocket at the
time
Have a cigar" he said as I STONED
to pick up the papers. And then see
ing shade of annoyance that could
not conceal cross my face at the
thought of smoking at such time and
IN such place he said hastily: Per
haps we'd better not smoke, though.
It's hardly decent in room with death
in it
His sudden glow of proper feeling
did not Impress me, and I merely
handed him the papers he had dropped
lii silence
One of these he handed back to me.
You'd better look at that. Mr..
Geary," he said abruptly. "That is
DIR. Holmes's certificate of death"
glanced at the document. Yes, it
was all in order. Douglas Kenneth
Renwood, aged Co." and so on. But
when | came to the heading, cause
of Death, - gave violent start.
Good heavens" 1 said to myself.
Can this be possible? Can this be
possible?"
For something L hal seen in that
certificate had connected itself with
something / had seen in another docu
ment that morning, and the sight of
the two things filed me with an awful
suspicion.
And L determined TO act on that sus-
plcion and to act at once. Asking Rem
wool to excuse me for half an hour, as
| wanted to call on a legal friend who
lived in town, L hurried away.
was going to call on DIR. Holmes.
whose name was at the foot of the GER
tlticate recording the death of Sir Dou-
glas Renwood.
L had to wait some time at the physi-
can house, as he had numerous con
situations III progress. After an hour
of terrible anticipation in the dull wait
ing room ] was Mt length ushered into
the doctors presence.
DR. Holmes, / said, Il have not
come to see You professionally, but
rather to ask you a question. Did you
sign certificate of the death, through
inflammation of the lungs, of Sir Dou-
glas Renwood, who now lies dead at
the place called --- Cottage?"
lie jumped from his chair in his
amazement.
My dear SIR" he cried. "what on
earth are you talking about? know
nothing whatever of Sir Douglas Rem
wood except that he was reputed to be
man of eccentric habits, as he re-
fused to have any servants in his
house"
The suspicion which had been dark
ening in my mind grew darker as he
spoke these words
In moment hal risen from the
chair and, walking quickly to the doc
tors side. ] said
Doctor, there has been some foul
play IN this business. Sir DouQlas
Renwood lies dead, and / have lust
seen certificate OF his deceasc bear
ing your name at the foot.
The doctor looked nstounded.
'Then it is q forgery" he cried. al
have never signed certificate OF this
mau's death More than that. + did
not know even that he was i'll. ="
thought for moment and then
said:
Our way is clear We must 90 Mt
once to the police station and get n
warrant for the arrest of the man who
produced that certificate as coming
from you. That man is Mark Rem
wood, Sir Douglass nephew aud /
heir"
The doctor gave me quick glance.
His heir, chg" he said Come
perhaps We are ON the brink Of dis
covery. It seems to me that there is
more in this business than meets the
eye
! thought 80 too.
An hour later Dr. Holmes. n couple
OF plain clothes policemen and myself
entered the cottage Bidding the two
men 70 be close at hand in case of
need. the doctor and ! went straight
upstairs In search of Mr.. Mark Rem
wood
He did not seem in the least rs
founded az the appearance Of the
doctor Evidently he imagined that
he was the illegal friend" on whom he
fancied | had gone TO call. for he held
ont his hand with n smile.
Any friend of yours, Mr. Geary,"
he said, els welcome here. Introduce
ma, please
Wondering whether he was merely
playing part or was sincere / formal.
y introduced the two men.
'Dr. Holmes NJ Mark Renwood.