Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1900-12-30

look Of grief on the face he hated, it
might never have seemed to him. That
he could not tell-(out as he met the
eyes of Randall Palgrave, warm cor
dial seemed to flow revivingly through
his veins. He Strengthened himself,
and flung up his grizzled head. With
in seconds space, he had become a
different man.
1t had been his intention to begin the
battle with an accusation-to fling the
javelin word Murderer" at his adj
versary, and watch it draw blood.
But his quiet change of policy die
tated another course He allowed Pal
grave to speak first. and then respond
ed with a certain lightness of manner
which dumbfounded the enemy.
"A terrible shock?" he echoed.
"Well. yes, the telegram your son sent
was certainly injudicious. considering
what poor Lady Mary has been forced
to endure. and the circumstances under
which it was despatched. Now. how
ever. / suppose you are both quite pre-
pared to admit that you were alarm
ists?"
"Alarmists?" repeated Palgrave,
warily watching his opponents eye,
like the skilled fencer that he was. II
fear, Mr.. Savernake, don't quite"
The newcomer sat down in the
chair that had been offered him, with
an air of comparative cheerfulness.
"Of course, The drawled, you don't,
in the light of later events believe
that the Duke has actually been
drowned"
Savernake could hear the breathing
of the man in the bed
Il grieve to say that can come to
no other conclusion" Palgrave uttered
at last.
Naturally you would be grieved; it
would be so deuced awkward for you
if it should actually be proved that
our poor Maurice was dead"
81 can't say that l follow your de-
duction there" Palgrave's pallor was
very sicl1ly yellow, and Blandon
stood as still as statue. leaning
against the mantel
Your physical condition would ac-
count for an unusual dullness OF per
ception." indulgently admitted Saver
make. But is it really necessary for
me to explain?"
Pray do So
The old diplomatist shrugged his
shoulders. When a man has every
thing in the world to gain by the death
OF another, and that death takes place
not only within a stones throw Of bis
own house, but Immediately upon de"
parture therefrom, gossip has unpleas-
ant comments to make. Only men OF
tho most spotless reputation can pass
through such a fiery ordeal unscathed
And, unfortunately, so few Of us are
spotless."
so far. my personal regrets have
kept me from dwelling upon 50 sordid
a phase of the affection that has fallen
or us ALL" said Palgrave, moisJcning
his lips, and showing his teeth little
But now that you condescend 10 sug-
gest it to me, l can assure you or that
point. No possible suspicion can at
tach to Blandon or myself. Several
witnesses can be called up who will
testify that neither l nor my son saw
poor Maurice after he left our boat
house in his dingy last night a little
after twelve"
No doubt all those dramatic effects
would have been arranged for, with
your well known tact and thoughtful
ness-where family matters are con-
cerned." murmured Savernake. refec-
lively.
This was too much. Palgrave sat MP
majestically among his pillows ana
glared bleakly upon the supine figure
iE the chair. do you mean TO say.
he demanded. IN righteous indignation.
that you actually suspect ms--pah,
it is too absurd. I will not lower my
self by finishing the sentence.
II wouldn't" advised Savernake. 1T
is never well TO put oneself 70 useless
trouble-especially when. for some
reason or other. one is feeling slightly
below par Permit me 20 finish the
sentence. / don't mind" (very non
chalsntly) lowering you at all You
were about to inquire. Il mistake not.
whether ! suspected you OF having a
hand in the accident last night.
Frankly. l suspect you OF no such
thing. for the one and sufficient rea-
son-fn fact, the only reason-that 1
do not believe that any accident took
place. It is my opinion that the whole
thing is a gigantic hoax"
Blandon started indignantly forward
from his place at the mantel, but Sa-
vernake waved him back with a mag
nilcent gesture. Il do not attribute
the hoax to you or your father" he