Arizona republican., 1898-02-05
From Clue to Climax.
By Will N. Harben.
Continued From Yesterday)
CHAPTER XII.

Ni 1N IlS-IOcIIl Oi lilt sCtIOIS ICS.dOuSt She was thickly yelled. She told Mat thews she wanted to see MT. Whidby at once. As she tool. her seat she heard voices in the library across the hall. She recognized Whidby's voice and Col. Wirrenton's, and now and then heard masculine tones she did not recognize She rose when Whidby came in, but was startled at the sight of his pale, troubled face.
 Don't scold me-" she said, extending her hands and speaking tenderly. II could not let another day pass without seeing you after my weakness yester- day when you told me about your fool ish fears in regard to hyprotisIn and your being the-the tool of some one with that power. I was so mortified, you seemed so earnest about it, and it shocked and frightened me so that I could not comfort you. But now that ] have thought it all over I am not worrying at all. Dear, it is only imag- ination on your part. You have read of such things and fancy them possible to yourself. 1 don't believe word of it. You had nothing in the world to do with it. It is only an absurd idea"
 Whidby put his arm round her and drew her to sofa. He did not speak for a minute, but sat stroking her gloved hand. Then he said:
 You ought not to come here, dear; it is imprudent; but it makes me very happy. for it is such a strong proof of your love and confidence. Unfortunate ly. however, my morbid fears have just been confirmed. Dr. Lampkin, the hypnotic expert, of whom I spoke yesterday, is in the library with Col Narrenton. There is now no doubt that I was hypnotized and made to do the deed"
 What? Oh, Alfred!" Miss Delmar paled. and he felt her shudder as she leaned nearer to him.
 There is no longer any doubt about it." he repeated. "Dr. Lampkin has just been giving me good talk against wor- rying over what can't be helped, and really I do feel more hopeful about it. Besides, all may come out well in the end
 "But-but how do you know you did t? It's perfectly absurd!" --Sss. --ss. They put me to test last night. I won't trouble you with it. It would only try your nerves to go into details. I knew nothing about it. I was hypno- tized after I fell asleep, and they got sufficient proof to convince them. Now, don't get excited, darling: you are trembling all over. just as you did yesterday"
 Miss Delmar drew her hands from his -el3st aud covered her face.
 .OFl, can't bear it, I simply cannot bear to think that you did it in-in such horrid way. Alfred. you didn't! You didn'tl''
 The door bell rang. Whidby sat star ing into the frank eyes of the girl, Un- able to formulate reply. Neither spoke just then. They heard Matthews go 10 tl.e door and open 1t; then gentleman entered the draw;ng-roon.
 T beg your pardon. Mir. Whidby," he said. T am M;nard Hendricks, the detective who witnessed the proceed irgs in your Eaairoo1n last night. l thought l might find Dr. Lamplin and Gel. Warrenton here.
 ..Tkey are now in the library" answered Whidhy. Matthews will oAiCIil tihib ' co oi iiNi '. U1AN A seat. Mir. Hendricks"
 Miss DeImar arose and extended her hand to Whidby.
 ''I must be going" she said, in low voice.
 II beg your pardon" said Hendricks. ''You are Miss nelmar. I am sure. I would not deta;r you. but I am certain that i can tell you soIlle Ing you would like to hear. Now. 1 see" Hendricks went on, smiling rea-.,,!rtng!y, that you think I ar, pretty l,old to intro duce myself ;n this ;;::sUpt way; but you must remember tl.it am dctec- tive, and that it is ny business some times to introduce myself without r.uch ceremony"
 Miss Delmar smiled faintly and bowed. ''Of course: that is your right, sir,' she said.
 Then Col. Warrenton and Dr. Lamp Kin came in.
 Good morning, gectemen," sai3 Hendricks. '1 have been thinking over our mutual investigations of last night, and have come to the conclusion that it cannot harm my proceedings to er- sieavor to remove a felse impression from your minds in regard to Mr. )Whidby's actions when hypnotized by the criminal. I could have told you the truth last night, but was not quite ready to do so.''
 You don't think he was made to do the deed?" asked Dr. Lampkin.
 He didn't" broke in Miss Delmar, excitedly. q don't see how anyone could think so for a moment
 Hendricks smiled. That's the way like to hear it expressed" he said ts the young lady If you had been pres ent last night, Miss Deimar, you would not have let them think so.''
 How are you going to prove it?" asked Col. Warrenton, hopefully. Don't make any mistake this time. Much de-