Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1898-09-21
CHAPTER Nj

CHAPTER Nj.
Luke Dillon was ran. specimen of hiA
race, a money loving Irishman.
1t was the flaw in very shrewi, far
seeing intellect, but yet indulgence had
not developed it to that degree of inten-
sity which dulls perception in other di-
rectiOns. A few tastes still remained to
Dillon not quite dwarfed by the master
passion, among them certain pleasure
In his own keenness and such creature
comforts as good food and drink.
The circumstances of Mrs. Callanders
death exercised him a good deal.
He would have been rather disgustet
to think that his task offered no greater
difficulty than tracing a common seaman.
a mere vulgar thief. For his own credit
sake he hoped and expected to find a far
deeper, subtler motive below the apparent
simplicity of the crime.
If he could find the sailor, the supposed
murderer, and prove him guilty, well and
good, he would get Thousand pounds.
If he could find more highly placed
assassin SO much the better-he should
unearth some disgraceful secret which 1t
would be of the last Importance to con
ceal, even at the price of immunity to the
murderer. This would mean a heavy
bribe to insure his own silence. Two
thousand instead of one-ay, ore--with
the possibility of retaining fees for many
Il year to come. With this idea Dillon
applied all the force of his keen, aud in
some ways ina ginative, mind first to in
vent probabilities, and then to seek proof
of them, for he had often discovered very
unexpected proof while following the
scent of u false theory.
Given a beautiful young woman, sepa
rated by many a league from husband
considerably older than herself, what
more likely than lover? and given low
er, the amount of guilt and cruelty, de-
ceit and treachery, depended on the
strength of passion, the difficulties and
provocations Of the position. There must
be a contidante somewhere" unused the
detective as he strolled along fhe COM
mon the day after the funeral. Il wish
i could find her-if it is 'her'-I wish l
could get word with that MIR. Egerton."
At this point in his meditations Dillon
came upon gentleman who was walking
slowly along the beach, and had crossed
from the waters edge as il to mount
some steps that led to the low embank-
ment
Dillon recognized Egerton, and waited
till he came near. Beg your pardon,
SIR" he said, deferentially touching his
" 4
"Who are you?" asked Egerton, haugh-
My name is Dillon, and I am in the
employment of Mr. Standish at present"
"Ah! the detective" with a tinge of
contempt in his tone. Are you sent from
Scotland Yard?'
No, sir, | am not in any service except
that of the person who engages me tenn
porarily. | am free to do my employ
er directs; TO press ON to full discovery
or to hold my hand
What do you want with me?'
I'D make bold to ask you question
or two, if l may, sir"
Go on. we can walk while speak
What is t?'
They tell me you spoke to these men,
the sailors who are suspected of the mur-
der Now, I'd like to know what your
opinion is
Il have none. They may have done it.
but there are base scoundrels of every
nation who'd stab their mothers for gold
and jewels"
May be so, but not their sweethearts,
sir"
What do you meanT' cried Egerton,
his eyes lighting up angrily, while a deep
flush passed over his. face, SO deadly
white before. DO you think this tragedy
a tit subject for vulgar jests p
Heaven forbid, SIR" gravely. But
you see rough men like me are not accus-
toned to touch things gingerly as gentle
folks do You see it's rather hard to hunt
up men that may be innocent, and waste
a lot of time and money into the bargain
without looking round bit for any other
possible party"
Il think it is all wasted time" said
Egerton, pussionately. We'll never catch
the real murderer, though I'd give all
possess to stand by aud see him die inch
by inch under the grasp Of torturer,
but | don't want you or any Ike you TO
handle and dissect the simple details Of
life like-There," stopping himself, Il
am toIerably sure some bloodthirsty thief
STOLE. in and silenced her forever. some
wretch who will assuredly meet his pun
ishment sooner or later, who Is perhaps
That is all think about 1t! If you
want money to prosecute your search,
COME to me-there, take that and let me
go. L don't want to speak to you again" !"
He took out his purse and put five or six
sovcreigns in DilOn's ready hand, thea
with gesture of infinite adherence
turned from him and walked rapidly in
the direction of the pier.
oh! I'm too dirty to be touched. am
II" muttered the detective, looking after
him With AN unpleasant grin. IAN the
filter 10 take the filthy lucre.'" Drawing
a small leather bag from his pocket, he
put the sovereigns into it; carefully twist
Ing the string round it he placed the bag
In his breast pocket, and, quickening his
pace. directed his steps to The Knoll
There is something wrong with you
my fine gentleman" he unused man
80 hon N
not always SO wild with grier apou. NE
h.'c