Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1900-05-17

yes. But here we are at the house.
Come in, and I will make it all clear
to you"
They left the cab and ran up the
stoop, but before Mr.. Mitchell could fit
his latchkey into the lock the door was
opened by his valet, who had been
waiting up for him.
There is some one to sec you, sir"
said the valet at once.
Some one to sec met" exclaimed Mr..
Mitchell. at this hourT'
eyes, sir. He came at II and said
that he would wait. He insisted that
you would be at home tonight"
But how could he know that when
II was by the merest chance that | did
return"
81 don't know, sir, but he seemed
certain about ii. | thought best to sit
up, too, as he's rather queer custom
er. He says his name is Preacher
jim"
preacher Jim!' cried Mr.. Mitchell.
This will be interesting, Mr.. Barnes
Come with me. Where Is hep
an the library, sir"
Mr.. Mitchell and Mr.. Barnes went to
the library and were met by Preacher
Jim, who advanced as they entered
You have come at last. am glad
that ! waited, but relieve my suspense
at once. Tell me, and so they are real
ly marriedy'
"Of whom are you speaking" asked
Mr.. Mitchell
"Of Matthew Mora and Lilian-Lil-
ian Vale"
Eyes; they are married. How did
you suspect thlsY'
II did not suspect it; / knew it. Did
| not tell you that our society knows
all that passes which is Of interest to
Its membersW
Yes; but that does not explain your
knowledge of my movements"
"Oh, you want details They are
embarrassing, mere routine. I knew
when you left town, because saw you
go, taking Lillian with you. also
knew that Mora had gone and that
your friend here. Mr.. Barnes, detect
i've, had followed that young man
did not care to play the spy myself, so
| merely telegraphcd to competent
agents in Boston, and they kept you
all in sight from the moment when
you reached Boston. Two hours ago
received this telegram
He handed a blue paper to Mr..
Mitchell on which were the words:
Girl married. Mitchell returns In
Mora's clothes. Barnes following"
"Ha, hal laughed Mr.. Mitchell Your
agent was shrewder than Mr.. Barnes,
for he saw through my disguise
"You have not explained that yet.
and | am entirely in the dark about
this marriage of which you speak"
said Mr.. Barnes.
Mr.. Mitchell invited the two mon to
be seated, ordered some wine and ci-
gars and then related all that he had
about Lillian Mora and finally about
his visit to Boston.
las | entered the hotel" he contin.
ued, 81 saw you. Mr.. Barnes, seated
near the window, your face concealed
behind a newspaper. l hurried by. as
/ did not wish you to see me. After
bringing Mora to the point Of agreeing
to marry l took Lillian and the child to
his room. 1t was a happy reunion. |
assure you, and am certain that the
result will be equally SO. Very shortly
after the clergyman arrived, and the
nuptial knot was tied. Then | took
Mora aside and explained the danger
which awaited him down stairs; that,
in fact. you would surely arrest him for
his fathers murder before he could
leave town. lie completely lost his
nerve. Having just made full repara.
ton for the only wrong of which ne
had been guilty, he was entirely over.
whelmed by the new disaster which
threatened. 1t was |. therefore. who
advised him how to act. | made him
diveSt himself of his clothing in which
| dressed myself. and exchanged
satchels with him. Then | hurried
down stairs, making noise enough to
attract your attention, Mr. Barnes. but
keeping my face so turned that YOU
would not see it. AS | had expected.
the satchel in my hand satisfied you
that | was about to leave the city. and
therefore you followed me. | presume
you did not arrest me in Boston be-
cause you thought it would save time
to allow me to return to New York"
Eyes; you completely outwitted me,
Mr.. Mitchell, but | am still under the
impression that you have made grave
error; that, in fact. you have assisted a
murderer TO escape. | have told you
what convincing evidence | have"
Convincing evidence which. how.
ever, leaves me unconvnced," said Mr..
Mitchell.
who is guilty"
You know who is guilty" exclaimed
Preacher Jim.
"You know"
'Yes, Preacher jim! Yes, Mr.. Barnes!
l known
you think that II was Slippery
SAM" inquired Mr.. Barnes.
mo; do not think that, although |
could tell you that which might lead
you to believe So"
''What do you mean?"
Mr.. Mitchell related the facts in CON
nection with the discovery of Matthew
Mora's will and reminded them of
their theory that II might have pre-
vented the staining of one side of the
pocket. He then produced the will it,
self and, showing them the blood upon
one side of it, remarked.