The Saint Paul globe., 1899-04-02

say -''iAN p''-''e' l Ill sui -
Then you're lion-tamer!''
Louie screamed with joy at her remark,
and Moray laughed.
May escort you to the refreshment-
room?" he asked, good -humoredly, and, both
accepting, they were soon regaling them
selves at his expense, chattering meanwhile
with the same artlcss freedom which had
amused him so much before.
At last, after he had persuaded them to
try each variety of refreshment, Mr. Hebble-
thWa1te's caterer had provided, and as they
steadfastly refused any more, he rose to take
them back to the dancing-room, recalling,
with start of surprise, that he had barely
time to catch his train.
He hastily explained that he should have
to go, and was bidding them farewell at the
foot of the staircase, when suddenly a sue
cesslon of terrible shrieks rent the air, and
Ruth Tiddiman and her friend Louie began
to shake with fright
Good heavens! what's that?" cried Ruth
catching his arm.
Somebody's murdered" Louie screamed
Historically.
In another moment the corridor was filled
with people hurrying towards them, Mr..
HebblethWaite in their midst, energetically
eibowing his way and crying LET me pass!
let me pass'' and Moray and the two girls
were carried along in 'front.' and down a short
flight of steps, at the bottom of which a
young man dressed Buffalo Bill stood
holding fainting Cinderella in his arms, his
face oddly white under the heavy black eye
brows and moustache he had donned to give
the fierce aspect required by his role.
What is it-what have you done? Have
you shot her? I'll have no lovers quarrels
here. What's wrong?" Hebblethwaite cried,
excitedly.
i've done nothing" Buffalo Bill answered,
sharply Its not me that's to blame a all,
poor thing! Look! Sally Brunton and me
found her like ths''-and he pointed dra-
| matically to what looked like a heap of
a
Found what? Good Heaven! It's mur-
der!''
"Murder!" Everyone pressed forward, for,
on nearer view, the huddle-up bundle was
stained with blood! and the bowed mantilla-
covered head of a woman, and two bare arms,
decorated with flashing bracelets were to be
seen lying amongst the folds of lace. Isaac
Hebblethwaite knelt beside her. and lifted the
head to his knee; but it was only too evident
that life had gone forever. For the worn,
wicked, handsome face of the woman was
| Of death. while the little ornamental dagger
which she had worn at her side as part of
her costum as Carmen, the gypsy, had been
sheathed to it's hilt IN her breast.
Shes dead,' he muttered; "her neck'd
have been broken by the fall if nought else
had come to her. poor thing! Does any of
you ladies or gentlemen know her?
The crowd swayed forward again as he
spoke, and Moray, with Ruth Tiddiman, were
carried quite to the front AS soon as her
eyes fell on the set white face on Hebble-
thwaites knee, the girl shrieked with horror
and again convulsively clutched Moray's arm
"It's-it's our new lodger!'' she screened
| wildly. "Oh, she's none fallen down, poor
lass! He-he pushed her down! 1 thought
they were larking-but it must have been
a quarrel! Oh-oh-o1l-look she's stabbed!"
"Who-who was it? Who did you see?"
Mr. Hebblethwaite asked.
Hes here-a tall chap in swell clothes.
only saw him minute sobbed Ruth.
Hebblethwaite laid the dead women gently
down and sprang to his feet.
"Shut the door, Jack-and send Parkin for
policeman and a DOCTOR he shouted to a
man near by. IF she's murdered, we shall
have to be careful what we do. At any rate
there'll be inquest-no one must leave
here till the police comet"
CHAPTER III.
Moray stayed al Morthington until after
the inquest the murdered woman, for he
did not know whether he might be required
to give evidence not, but fortunately he
was saved the trouble. The verdict was
murder against some person or persons un-
known" for the murderer had not been dis
covered, and Ruth Tiddimans evidence was
not of much value fo' purposes of identifica-
tion, since she had only seen the back of the
man in evening clothes whom she judged to