Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1897-10-03
(Continued)
CHAPTER XM.-A NINE DAYS
WONDER.

WONDER.
Great was the establishment through
out the neighborhood when it became
known that Dr. Etwald, the clever ply
stefan, of Deanminster, had been ar
rested on a double charge of murder
and theft of dead body. Those who
did not like him-and they were the
majority-rejoiced openly that the as
sassin of Maurice Aylmer had been
found in Etwald's person; but there
was some who regretted that so bril-
liant man should be consigned to a
felOn's cell, and-possibly in the here
after--to a felon's doom. But what
ever opinions, for or against the pris-
oner, were held by the good people of
Deanminster and the surrounding
neighborhood, there was no doubt of
one thing: the trial of Max Etwald at
the Assizes would be the great sensa-
ton of the year.
Major Jen worked hard to procure
evidence against the prisoner, and Da-
vid Sarby worked just as hard to OBJ
tain material for the defense. The at
titude taken up by the young barrister
astonished everyone, and was univer-
sally condemned. That he-who
might almost be called the brother of
the dead man-should defend the assas-
sin of such brother was almost incred-
ible of belief. People were astOnished
and angered by the very idea, and when
that idea became known to be an ac-
tual fact the conduct of David was dis
approved on every side. Only one
man said nothing, and that man was the
very person who had the best right to
speak. While all talked Maj. Jen re-
manned silent. Hi reticence on the
subject caused almost as much scandal
as David's inexplicable conduct.
Yet Jen knew what he was about,
and he was acting merely in accordance
with an agreement which he had made
with Sarby After that memorable in
terview in the library, when Etwald
was accused and arrested, Arkel took
away his prisoner in custody by yir-
tue of the warrant, and left Major Jen
alone with the counsel for the de-
fence. The assassin, so-called, and In
spector Arkell left the room: they left
the house. When the sound of Et-
waid's carriage-for he went to Dean
minister Gaol in his own broughman--
had died away in the distance, Jen,
who had hitherto kept silence, raised
his head and looked at David
tWell, sir" he said, in an icy tone to
his adopted son. 81 am waiting for
you to explain this very extraordinary
conduct"
David replied in equally}as cold a
major Jen3 + have no explanation
to-aiye You" -
y ~ 81
re to sit there and tell me
ire traitor, coward, an
MANI"
pr" echoed David, with a
to his pale cheeks.
SLY A traitor to yourSfoster
u, whA was your rival 1t is
6se Maurice loved the woman who
les you than, you act the unworthy
art of defending his murderer"
every good, Major I understand
why am a traitor. But coward?"
''You are a coward in submitting
yourself to the influence of this base
assassin" cried Jen, enraged by the
calmness of the young man, "and as
IA ungrateful man-do you want an
Explanation of that term?-you whom
Z have loved and brought up as my
own SOM"
mo. I can understand your anger
!. from your point of view"
my point of view! My point of
view!" ragged Jen, stamping. From
the point of view of the world, sir!
What will every one say when they
Alearn that you intend to defend Et-
Wald?"
r'They will say almost as cruel things
as you have said,' returned David,
still composed, But l do not care
for the opinion of the public. 1 act
according to the dictates of my own
conscience"
Jen drew back and stared at the
young man in angry surprise.
"Your own conscience" he repeated
in disdain. "How can you talk in
that manner? What excuse can
you
ri have an excellent excuse" inter-
rupted David, rising.
what is it, if l may be so bold as
to ask"
81 refuse to tell you-at present"
eIndeed: and am | ever to learn the
reason of your extraordinary be-
hayior?"
ayes. Major said he, at length.
"You shall learn my reason at-the
trial"
cat the trial?"
81 shall explain it when l make my
sneech for the defence"
s.What do you mean?' cried Jen, his
curiosity getting the better of his anger,
as it possible that you believe in the
innocence of this man?''
GAS counsel for the defense you will
hardly expect me to answer that"
stAs your adopted father, | demand
an answer"
ssYou shall have it, sir-at the trial"
THE obstinacy and marvellous COM
posure If the young man were not
without their due effect on Major Jen.
He drew back, and after a moments
reconsideration, he spoke in all serious
hess:
vDayid" said he quietly, ''there is
omething very extraordinary in your
Ibehavior, and you refuse to give me
your reasons therefor. If | wait until
the trial will you explain?"
"Yes. | have already told you So.
In nv speech for the defence you will
l1..&