The Irish standard., 1898-07-16
CHAPTER ~.

. AS the doors opened in response to
their ring, the visitors saw four foot
men in livery ranged against the wall,
like guards before the Vatican. Hen
bricks, with an air that showed his
unfamiiarity with just such field Of
3, operation, gave his hat to the nearest
man and, keeping on his overcoat,
he walked straight into the drawing
room. Lalnpkin was more deliberate.
He took off his overcoat, gave it and his
silk hat to lackey and came in and
sat down quite as if he were expect
ing to be summoned to the boudoir Of
a wealthy patient.
Miss Huntington was a few steps in
advance Of Mrs. Winfret, as the two
ladies entered through the folding
doors from the rear.
II MY aunt feels sorry of her hesta-
ton just now, Mr.. Hendricks" she be-
gan, with a genial smile; 'but she is
SO much given to reading all the SEN
sational news lately that she is con-
stantly expecting. some awful calamity
to befall us. She is worried now with
the fear that you may bring bad news.
AAC4 VI otHS4 AlIlCl1 Sullcu TWO WEEKS
ago for Africa, and we have only heard
from him once.'
x 1T is not concerning him that we de-
sired TO speak," said the detective, in
Producing .Lampkin with commendable
ease. II won't keep you long. have
been informed that you are friends of
Mr.. Weldon Caruthers, and it is about
him that wanted to confer with you.
To come to the point at once, have
reasons for being disturbed about his
rather peculiar Absence
"But he is in Philadelphia, exclaimed
: Miss Huntington, in tone which re-
vealed no little relief over his explana-
ton. She seemed to think the detec-
tive was laboring under some mistake
which she could easily rectify.
"May ! ask how you know that?"
asked Hendricks, automatically.
81. Miss Huntington hesitated, and then,
receiving the sanction of her aunt's
glance, said:
II had letter from him only few
Lays ago. He had invited Count Ban
linni, an italian nobleman, my aunt and
myself to use his box at the Horse Show
)ast night, and had taken the tickets
Gway by mistake. Oh! l am sure he
IS all right, although his leaving was
lutte unexpected. feel confident he
Fill explain everything when he re-
)urnss" ..s
'Are you quite sure that letter was
\, from him." was the next question of
The detective.
The young lady started and stared at
Hendricks as if debating whether he
sould be in his right mind.
II have never dreamt of it's not being
from him." she said, firmly. II am
(ure I've no reason at all for doubt
Ing it,"
Mrs. Winfret leaned forward, her an
yular form stiffening as if under some
Petrifying process due to the action Of
startled state of mind.
II am not sure of it, now 7 come to
)hin! over the matter" she remarked,
giving each word separate and dis
%. tinct drop. "You remember, Dorothy,
you said you could not forgive him for
debating the letter to typewriter and
hot even signing it,"
The young lady flushed at the per-
sonality, but she finally admitted that
she had not exactly appreciated the
. manner i'll which the letter had been
written, while she still held firm to the
belief that it was genuine.
Nothing could be easier than to
Jorge a typewriter communication"
tuggested Hendricks, paving his way
to more startling disclosures. "Have
you the letter."
I 1T is UPSTAIRS" said Dorothy, her
tone betraying growing perturbation.
despite her effort at calnness. Come
>sfwith me, aunt; we will return in a mo-
ment."
When they had quilted the drawing
room, Hendricks resumed his scat, and
looked steadily at the doctor.
II think III let it out" he said. "She
Fan bear it, A blind man can see she
!. isn't in love with the murdered man.
It is the other patch in the red crazy
guilt that will turn her cheeks white
and darken those great eyes"
"Oh, you refer to Gielow!" cried the
doctor.
u, Hendricks shrugged his shoulders.
n ut will doubtless strike her, as It
& will the police, in fact, as it will ths
public at !arge-that lie is the one man
q in existence who would be likely to want
4 Caruthers to send in his checks, as Il.
Il were, especially as they had row just
n prior to the committal of the deed"
Y at certainly does look shaky for
7 Gielow,' admitted Lampkin.
\ any one hope" said Hendricks, "is
that Gielow does not needle-point his
Anger-Eails. Few artists have time for
such feminine rubbish"
"But Gielow is not regular b.
a Aemian," rejoined Lampkin. HE is
most particular about his dress and Is