Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1897-04-30

was NOT one OF them. She but en- tered
the library in company with Herbert
Lathrop, ard saw Angus turning from
the bed the bloody knife was in his
hand. He had just drawn it from the
bosom of the banker, where it was
buried, even to the hilt, by the hand OF
Lathrop. The blow was struck with the
assassin standing behind the back of
Angus-the blade was thrust under his
very arm. 1t was q wcll-laid plot to
throw the guilton Bruce, and in getting
rid of the uncle to brand with the mark
of Cain one he had reason to fear would
prove bar to the consummation of the
wish to make your sister his wife.
ANGUS was paralyzed with horror,
but he saw the retreating form of La
throp us he receded through the bath
room, and heard a cry
HE sprang forward, but the closed
door was barrier that withstood even
his weight. He heard voices on the 9TH
er side, but turned back
There lay the banker, dead. In very
horror, he grasped the handle of the
knife and drew it forth, the red blood
followed it, staining his hands and
clothes. He gave cry of murder, and,
as he turned, with the knife in his hand,
Lathrop and Miss Lloyd entered the H.
brary. Miss Lloyd tainted at the terri
bic sight that met her gaze. Lathrop
charged Angus with the murder, and
fled to call officers and cause his arrest.
All circumstances we're against him;
even the murdered mans daughter
would have condemned him to the moose
of the hangman.
To fly was but a further evidence OF
his guilt To remain was to die on the
gallows. He chose the former alterna-
tive. Would you or have done other
wise?
Life is dear, reputation to some men
dearer yet; both were dear to Angus
Bruce, and made doubly so, by what
had become the highest ambition of his
life-he would live. and live to see the
murderer of John Lloyd brought to JUS.
tice, and his own good name clear"
You appall me; but where got you all
of this informal ton who was this other
witness? who uttered this cry of which
you speak? why has this witness re-
manned silent?"
Because, Mr.. Hill, the evidence of
this witness would not be taken in Il
court of law against Caucasian; that
fact, and terror have kept her lips
sealed. Lathrop would have killed her
also, had he not have known that hen
evidence could not condemn him-An,
gus knew it, or he would have remained
n h c fold Ii,
as he staggered from the room, that i.
nigger's oath wouldn't save him. Aunt
Mag knew it, for she begged Angus
to fly"
Aunt Mag! What, the old house
keeper? What knew she about it?"
"All, all! twas she who uttered the
cry in the bathroom; she saw the knife
driven home by the hand Of Lathrop;
she is the other witness"
it be possible?"
you still doubt?'
II must, without legal evidence"
"You are friend, an admirer of Her,
bert Lathrop's?"
Tar from being an admirer, if indeed
there be anything about him to admire
A friend, l must be since he weds my
! sister, and yet have had hard work to
| reconcile myself to the union"
would you doubt the evidence OF
your own ears, should you hear Her.
bert Lathrop confess his guilt?"
"1Iow could L? But l think I shall
never hear the words: I am guilty Of
the murder of my uncle fall from his
lips"
You shall, and you shall see him, too,
and in every lineament of his coun,
tcnance, while he utters the words that
condemn him, read his guilt"
| when? How2 If there is truth in
all this, there is no time to lose"
"There will be none lost; all arrange.
ments are perfected. Lathrop has gone
to Wilmington, as you probably know,
He will return on the down trip of the
| Sunshine, and be home at seven o'clock,
though he may leave the boat at Orion
landing and call at your house before
going to Kendall. That we cannot tell;
but will you meet me at 6:30 this even.
ing, prepared to hear and witness what
have told you, after he has entered
his house? Otherwise, remember the ter
rible position in which your sister will
be placed when she finds herself welded
to a murderer"
ut needed not that last remark to
induce me. Yes, I will meet you at
| the time stated, and at the rice mill on
yonder ridge. From there we can sec
where the steamer stops. But won't
you come to the house and dine with
us? It is now noon, and father must
know Of the hazard of his daughteer"
by no means. A word or a suspicion
would ruin all. Do not lisp syllable
at your home. Remember, if 1t proves
not as say, you would regretit. Leave
everything to me, but Let all of your ar
rangements be made, should every
thing transpire as have told you, to
visit Wilmington tomorrow, and you
shall have further proof, and proof of
why Herbert desired his uncle's death.
There were two objects; one, he has at
tanned, the other he. thinks to attain
tomorrow night. 1t is your sisters
hand"
"Let it be as you say. ] will remain
silent. Meantime, why is 1t that you so
interest yourself in this matter, and you
a stranger here?
"True. am a Scotchman, and came
from Scotland here"
"You speak not the dialect?"
/ mo, but can at will, or almost any
other. I am one of these oft-time con.
demned, but sometimes useful individ
y i