Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1897-09-30
chair and then, producing the letter,
broke the seal and read.


Walter Marvel was before him, but it
suited him still to spy awhile upon his
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 his
real intentions prompted him. He SEEM
cd wholly absorbed in the paper before
him, which he read and reread num-
Der Of times, ending by crumpling it up
in his hand and starting up from his
chair. He stood gazing from the win
dow awhile and then paced nervously
up and down. This lasted some 1ain-
utes, when he suddenly resumed his
seat, took the crumpled letter from his
pocket where he had thrust it and care
fully smoothed out the creases Oh his
knee. He again read it's 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
lect 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, N1r.
Barnes following him.
He directed his course toward the
wharfs and finally walked to the end
of one, where be 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
mediatcly. Mr.. Barnes saw at once that
it was now time to take active meas
urcs or he would lose his man after all.
Boarding the vessel, he sought out tho
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, believer"
''That is my name, but you are a
stranger to me-.
"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 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 it since
you left Wadley's Falls!"
"Why do you ask?'
'Please answer me first, and prom
ise full explanation afterward."
''That arrangement does not suit me.
You are u 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"
"Well?"
"a 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-"will you venture to
guess who the victim is?"
hoarse whisper. He dropped into a
chair and buried his face i'll his hands.
His trouble seemed SO poignant that for
some minutes Mr.. Barnes could not find
it i'll his heart to disturb him. Finally,
however, realizing that time was pre-
cious he said:
sMr. Marvel, will you return with
me to Lee?'
"Why should II" answered Marvel,
looking up suddenly, aroused by the
question.
Because it 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 I
have positive proof" returned Mr..
DdTuSS, anu UuaU huNo hoo Al oA1Ac
case-at least not yet. advise you to
keep your temper and be guarded in
what you say, for your words may be
used against you.
"You arc insolentl How dare you
speak to ME in that way?' !.
"Come, Mr.. Marvel; time presses.
Will you accompany me peaceably2"
''Do you mean as your prisoner?'
''No. Let US say as witness. But
at that word Marvel recoiled and seem
ed alarmed. All the anger departed
from his voice as he said:
"Have you a warrant for my arrest!
Can you force me to go?'
Mr.. Barnes shook his head negatively,
and Marvel heaved sigh Of relief as
he muttered: "Then I will not 60.
cannot. cannot"
Mr.. Barnes was nonplused. He had
counted on finding Marvel willing-nay,
anxious-to return as soon as he should
know that there was any possibility OF
his being implicated in the crime. But
what was he to do now that he refused
to 20 back? He could not compel him
without a warrant, and that he not on
ly 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
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