Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1898-04-04

thing about me, go elsewhere. You can Z
| brighten me.
Sister, this is a very serious matter, >
spoke up Ralph. 'sYou must explain
yourself, Or Montcastle, at least, will
get into trouble. -
TROUBLED" asked the young lady an
grily. Has this detective any right &c
pry into our own private affairs?" Then
her face rapidly changed its expression.
Why, what can you mean? Neither
Mr. Montcastle nor I could be accused.
You know you told me what you had
seen. -
.'Oh, forgot you did not know!''
said Ralph quickly. Mr. Hendricks
has proved to me q ut father did rot
commit suicide; that he was killed by
some one else. Weneed not explain now
I am satisfied on that point, and that
is why it looks SO gloomy for Montcas-
tie. Sister, you must really out with
the truth. Did you and he go to the
train that night? Answer me- .
Miss Benton seemed too much agitat-
ed to speak. She went to the bell and
rang and came back to her chair She
was very white and trembling from
head to foot. Presently Mary entered
Ibid you ring miss?" she asked
''Is Mr.. Montcastle in the smoking
room?" said Miss Benton
ono, miss; he's in Mr. Aliens room.
Mr.. Allen has had another hemorrhage,
a pretty bad one We wanted to SEND
for doctor, but he wouldn' let u.s.
''Tell Mr.. Montcastle to come to me
at once, commanded Miss Benton
''Tell him not to wait minute. .
No one spoke till Montcastle entered
"What is it?'' he asked, looking at
his fiancee in surprise.
Mr.. Hendricks is about TO hanGcuff
me, explained Miss Benton, with sar-
casm. "He says he can prove that we
went to the station the night father
died and that suspicion has been direct
ed against u.s. .
"What?'' thundered MontcastIe.
'How dare you, sir?''
Hendricks faced him calmly
$ At such a time, if you refuse to ex-
plain your conduct when requested
civilly, it is right and proper that sus-
picion should fall on you. am simply
seeking for information. :"
But you are going into our own
private affairs, answered Montcastle
Because Mr.. Benton happened to be
killed that night is no reason we should
make confidant of you unless we wish
to do so. -
You can explain now or do it in
court, answered Hendricks, with q
smile From my standpoint as de-
tective I am obliged to regard your
conduct that night as suspicious.
He is right, Montcastle!" broke in
Ralph excitedly. ''As the present head
of this family insist on an explana-
tion. If you had anything to do with
the crime
Brother, be ashamed of yourself'
cried Miss Benton, rising and standing
between the two men. Remember that
Arthur-Mr. Montcastle-is our guest. +"
do you mean to accuse me of the
N urder?" asked Montcastle, white with
rage.
'I'll accuse you Of what l like and
punch your blasted head, too, if you
don't explain why you were riding in a
cab with my sister at that hour of the
night. Do you understand? Out with
it, or I'll order your arrest in a minute;
am tired of this mystery -
Montcastle stood as if turned to stone
Miss Benton covered her face and began
20 sob.
''Tell them,'' she said to Montcastle
There is nothing else to do. Brother
says it was not suicide, and / shall not
eel so bad about it. 1 thought I had
driven poor papa to it. -
Montcastle leaned on table for
then cleared his throat and be-
gan.
TO BE CONTINUED.