Highland recorder. (Monterey, Highland County, Va.) 1877-1972, 1900-01-05

Judlth's wrath when she understood
how the detective had deceived her.
But to business!" cricd Levi, inter.
rupt;Dg her as she was heaplng maledic-
tons on PaxtUn's devoted head. Il am
In deadly peril. ! am accused of John
Oakburns murder. and the detective
has terrible array Of circumstantial
evidence to bring against me.
What is his evidenced"
Kredge enumerated tho points Paxton
had mentioned in support of his accusa-
iien with two exceptions. He omitted
| to mention the coin-bag which had been
found in his apartment, and the ten
thousand dollars.
LIZ am in mortal dread. This evidence
will hang NE, fear, unless you can save
me. You said you could. You told me
! you could name the assassin. Will you
do so? Will you save me, JUDITH" in
! conclusion, Levi said, earnestly.
/ Yes; mean to get you out of this
difficulty"
"Tll not forget you If you do"
The time has come when / must re-
veal who the guilty one is, said Judith
They continued to converse for some
time, but when Judith finally left him
Levi was more treasured and hopeful.
judith really believes she knows the
assassin. She will save me. But she
does not even suspect the truth, NUT
tered Kredge, when he was alone.
That very morning Paxton had caused
the city to be flooded with notices offer
ing reward for any information as to
the whereabouts of Marion Oakburn.
When Judith left Lewis cell and took
her departure from the prison she saw
and read with seeming interest one OF
PaxtOn's reward notices.
Judith had resolved net to delay in
making the revelation which she be-
lieved would result in exculpating her
brother and she proceeded directly to
Paxton's office.
At the detectives office Paxton him
self, Stanmore and Stuart Harland were
in council when Judith Kredge appeared.
At the sight Of the janitors sister
Paxton anticipated the motive Of her
visit, and he felt an exultant thrill
traverse his nerves.
Il am Judith Kredge, as you doubtless
know, and have something important
to tell about John Oakburn's murder,
said the woman, abruptly.
ave shall be gla1 to receive any in
formation, replied Paxton, calmly.
Stuart Harland was very much ex-
cited, and Stanmore showed his emotion.
Il have always been devoted to Marion
Oakburn, and I have loved her and
served her faithfully for many years.
For her dear sake would cheerfully
make any personal sacrifice" began
Judith.
you loved her so we'll you even con-
sented to take care of all her money for
her," Paxton commented, sneeringly.
judith looked frightened, for she had
not suspected Paxton had the knowl-
edge his words implied.
She did not resume her statement un-
Ill Paxton said
IF you know anything to help your
brothers cause, or to explain the muir
der mystery, do net delay in making it
known. l assure you Lewis neck is in
danger"
Then Judith continued:
Much as I love Marion, when it
comes to choose between her and my
own flesh and blood, nature rules. Had
not Levi been wrongfully arrested, and
did not circumstances unjustly awaken
a suspicion against him, [ would not
now betray my dear Marion"
What do you mean, wOman?" thun-
dered StanmOrc.
Patience! patience!" admonishe |
Paxton.
Judith Kredge did not heed Stanmore' S
excited words.
She continued calmly:
ITO shield Marion Oakburn, I have
kept terrible secret. To save my own
BROTHER l will confess it." She paused
and there was moment Of GREATNESS
silence.
Stuart was on his feet, and he seemed
to await the woman's next words with
such anxiety as only one in his situation
could feel. He thought her revelation
might be his own vindication.
How shall I say it? I know who
killed John Oakburn, Judith went on.
who is the assassin? The name!
the name.' demanded Paxton, eagerly.
Marion Oakburn! She killed her
own father" said the woman.
Stanmore sprang to his feet, and
scarcely knowing what he did in the ex-
element of the moment he seized Judith
by the arm, as he Kissed:
Its a lie! an infamous lie!"
you are brave man to insult wom-
an" retorted Judith; Stanmore face
flushed, and realizing his conduct he re-
leased her.