The Delta independent., 1898-04-29

She rcnt TO Nc bell and rang.
taken his own life. and then brother
confirmed my fears by telling me about
the note and how he hud found him.
Ralph advised me-
The speaker paused and sianeed at
her brother inquiringiy.
"Go ahead" said Ralrh. II have
told Mr.. Hendricks about that"
"He advised me not to let it be known
TINT 1t was suicidc." continued Miss
Benton. I'VE did not want Aunt Mar
tia to think SO. nm glad it was not.
/ don't believe we could have kept her
deceived very long. She has predicted
hrntlred tiines-but that has nothing
to do with what you wanted 70 know.
Hendricks rose.
II am deeply indebted to all Of you.
he said. III you ksl not explained your
conduct that night ] should have been
off the track considerably. nnd the real
murderer could have been half round
the earth fer his health before got to
work on the case"
Lampkin was watching Hendricks
attentively. wondering il he still sus.
pected Montcastle. The face Of the de-
tectivo was puzzle. At tho dcor Hen
bricks turned to Ncptcastle, who had
followed him.
"The maid tells me, !" no said, "that
Mr.. Allen has had o serious hemor-
Thagc."
"Frightfulr' replied Montcastle. II
wanted to call in q physician, but be
wouldn't allow It He natly refused to
sec one"
"would you listen to what . sick
man snys Mt such time?" asked the
detective. Don't yen know that man
in his condition IL not the best Judge of
such things? Do you want ths fellow to
die on your handsi''
mered Aontcastle. ''but he wouldn't
listen to IL He 10 frigbtful!y upset.
my friend here. nr. Lampkin. 10 .
regular physician. Dou't you think IL
would be . good idea for hiw to see
Mr.. Allen ut Cncer'
~ think so," answered Montcastle.
"I'll show you up, doctor. il you wish. !"
Lampkin hesitated. Professional eti-
quette had hitherto prevented him from
appearing unsolicited at tho Lecside Of
any cne.
"Go up and nee what ails him, +" said
Hendricks. pirching Lampkin's arm
significantly. ''l'll wait for you outside.
You may savo his life"
Lampkin followed Noptcastle up
stairs, and Hendricks Joined Kola and
Stanwood on the lawn. Stapwood went
into the house. leaving the two friends
together.
''welli" said KolA
"Well?" echoed tho detective. He sat
down on rustic bench under tke trees,
and, with wrinkled Irow. stared Mt the
rising moon. Kola sat down. lighted o
cigar and fell into Hendricks' pensive
mood. In about ten minutes Lampkin
catno out. Hendricks ross.
"well." he said M they turned to-
ward the gate. what was the matter
with Allen.''
"Ie 10 bleeding from the lungs con-
stantly," answered the doctor. Looks
like case Of consumption badly neg
lected. However, ! could not tell any
thing definitely. He refused to Lee me
touch him-even to feel his pulss. He
looks to me like q dying man. have
just told Ralph Benton that he must
have medical care ut once. think they
may send hin, to q hospital.
Hendricks made no further remark
till they were half way 70 tie statioe.
Then lie pulled his beard pervously and
said:
Hang II, can't make Allen out. II
he is really seriously i'll, do not want
to tackle him. don't want to frighten
him to death unless know more than
] do. You are sure there IN no sham
ming abOue the heynorrha0e
"Sure - / am Of being here" an
swercd Lampkin.
Hendricks wss silent till they reached
the station.
''Going in the emokerf'' he asked -
the train came up.
Lampkin and the adert r~''ded.
In the car Hendricks took scat st .
window by himself and sat looking out
It the darkness all TIE way b the ferry
toaf.