Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1898-02-10
No 43

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had not understood. She told me she
had plainly heard my father say it and
that she had ever since thought he was
speaking to me- She appeared very
much upset over it and seemed delight
ed to have me assure her that my father
had not spoken the words to me and
that had not been in his room that
night. I then went to my sister and
asked her if my father had used such
words to her She refused to answer.
seemed vexed at my question and asked
me if you had said anything about her
and Montcastle last night when was
under arrest. told her you had not.
She wanted to know what had passed
between us, but kept my promise to
you and said nothing about your theo-
ries. She still believes my father COM
mitted suicide, is very nervous and has
not been at all like herself since the
murder.
Hendricks leaned forward. II seemed
to Lampkin. who was watching his
features closely. that he drew deep
breath before he began to speak.
DSutOuS uo ndAup al" ou3O yOuA
father was speaking to Miss Benton
that night. Moreover, have conclusive
proof that both she and Mr.. Montcastle
hastily packed their things that night
went in O cab to the station and tried
to catch the 1880 train for New York.
! have"-
Ralph sprang to his feet.
Ir.o ho t,A
"beware of what you are sayingl II
you impugn the good name Of my sister.
if you dare
Keep quiet" said Hendricks calm
ly, and be leaned back On the sofa.
Don't be impulsive. If you had known
me longer, you would know I do not
make rash statements. Besides, nave
said nothing against the character Of
your sister. If you can account Coz Il il.
Benton's and Montcastle's con'nrt tiial
night, you may do them available serv-
ice. For the present, however, a!a
bound 70 own that their actions. J@aetA
er with their evident secrecy since tEaC
night, have decidedly ugly lCo> "
The yorng II ans anger snbslGed II
was as if sudden fear and suspicion had
overpowered it. He iea3ed On lie back
of his chair with t, milling hands. His
face was deathly pale
Pardon me- he said. But you
say you know what you have just stat
ed? You know that they tried to catch
the 80 train for New York?''
II do. They were not quick enough
The next train was not due before $40.
They came back home, bringing their
luggage on a cab Montcastle did not
unpack his bag, but Miss Benton took
out her wearing apparel and hung 1t
up"
Ralph stared; his white lips parted
They could hear him breathing
Its absurd perfectly absurd" he
said, trying to smile. "My sister would
not
Hendricks interrupted him with q
gesture of the hand
II AM not" he s.,id, working on
the theory that your sister had hand
in the crime. But, if may ask. do you
think the relationship between Miss
Benton aud Montcaste is such that if
mind you, if-he were to till her he had
accidentally killed yous father, or did
it in the heat Of passion, Gnder npulse,
or in self defense, and was afraid to
face the law--do you think, say. that
she would stand ty him.
An expression Of vast rt!!of tremhled
IN the young mans eyes ana rassed
over his face
"They are engaged 90 be ln@rTicd,
he admitted, ''a1a she tbiuLs the
world aud all Of him The truth is ia
ther did not like Mon,cast!e and took
pains to let him see 1t Sister thought
Mcntcastle was no.; fairly treulcn 20
you think he may have had u@slsna Oh
my sister fortune, and 49,
Hendricks interrupted him.
'Your father was not klilCd till attc-
he had declared he woulG di20T II MiSS
Benton the next day, and you say Mont
castle is engaged to her "
Ralph sat down, He locked as if his
legs had refused longer to bear the
weight of his body
at is all awful situation" hc saiG,
almost with groan. MnntcaStlc
doesn't look like man who could -
Again Hendricks interrupted him
HAS there been any SORT Of Intimacy
between Montcastle and this Mir Brooks
Allen?" he asked:
Ralph reflected.
II don't know" he began, land yet
Montcastle has seemed to be interested
in tie old mans inventions and plans
that is. little more than the rest Of
us. You see, Mr.. Allen had got to be a
sort of bore; and we didn't care to
listen, but Montcastle always treated
him considerably. They went fishing
together once and came back from tho
city together two or three times, and
Ralph broke off suddenly. His eye be-,
gan to kindle with determination.
"Look here, Hendricks" he said. II
want to get at the bottom of this matter
at once and have done with it. Let me