Omaha daily bee., 1899-03-26
CHAPTER XVI.

The lantern gone, the room resumed Its
former appearance.
Abel who had been much struck ny
Swoctwater's mysterious maneuvers, are"
near Dr. Talbot and whispered in MS ear
"No might have done without that fellow
from Boston"
To which the coroner replied:
perhaps so and perhaps not. Sweetwater
has not yet proved his case; let us wait hH
he explains himself" Then turning TO the
constable he showed him an old-fashioned
miniature which he had found lying on
James' breast when he made his first eN-
animation 1t was set with pearls and
backed with gold and was worth many
meals. for the lack of which it's devoted
owner had pershed.
agatha Webb's portrait" explained Tai
bot, "or, rather, Agatha Gilchrlst s. lot l
presume this was painted when she ana
James were lovers"
"She was certainly a beauty commented
Fenton. as he bent over the miniature in
the moonlight 81 do not wonder she
queened 1t over the whole county,
"Ho must have worn it where l found 1t
for the last forty years." unused the doctor.
"And yet men say that love Is teetins
passion. Well, after coming upon THIS
proof Of devotion find it impossible to be
sneetwater's instinct was truer than
Rnapps."
"Or ours" muttered Fenton.
"Gcntlemen interposed Abel, pointing to
bright spot that just then made its appear
ance in the dark outline OF the shade before
alluded to- do you see that hole?' 1t was
the sight OF that break in the shade which
sent Sweetwater outside looking for foot
prints. See! Now his eye is to it, (as
the bright spot became suddenly eclipsed).
1--WE are under examination, sirs, and the
next thing we will hear Is that he's not
the only person who's been peering into
this room through that hole.'
Ho was so far right that the first words
Of Sweetwater on his re-entrance We're:
"I.'s all O. X, sirs. / have found my
missing clew James label was not the
only person who came up here from the
Webb cottage last night" And turning to
Knapp, who was losing some of his super
cillous manner, he asked, with significant
emphasis 'If, of the full amount stolen
from Agatha Webb, you found $50 in the
possession OF one man and $3.50 in the pos
session Of another, upon which of the two
would you fix as the probable murderer of
this good woman
Upon him who held the lions share, OF
course"
VERY good; then 1t Is not IN TINS cottage
you will find the person most wanted. You
must look But there, first let me give you
a glimpse of the money. Is there any one
here ready to accompany me in search of it
shall have to take him a quarter OF G
mile further up hill"
'You have seen the money? You know
where it is?" asked DR.. Talbot and Mr.
Fenton in one breath.
Gentlemen, can put my hand on 1t il
ten minutes"
At this unexpected and somewhat startling
statement Knapp looked at DR.. Talbot anC
DR.. Talbot looked at the constable, but onl!
the latter spoke.
THAT is saying good deal. But no mat
ter. l am willing to credit the assertion
Lead on, Sweetwater; I'll go with you"
sweetwater seemed to grow an inch a
least, "And DR.. Talbot" he suggested.
But the coroner's duty held him to th
house of death and he decided not to accom-
pany them. Knapp and Abel however
yielded to the curiosity which had beer
aroused by these extraordinary promise
and soon these four started on their small
expedition up the hill
Sweetwater headed the procession. He ha
admonshed silence and his wish in thi
regard was so well carried out that the
looked more like a group OF specters NOV
ing up the moon-lighted road than part
OF eager and impatient men. Not till the
turned into the main thoroughfare did an
one speak. Then Abel could no longer re
strain himself and he cried out:
Eve are going to Mr.. Sutherland's."