The Newtown bee., 1900-04-06

mlne. AccCruln&lys Lne preLLy nouee' maid having at last appeared, 1t was with touch of gallantry under difficulties that I inquired, Miss Alice Grinnel lodging here?" ''Yes, sir," she answer ed, "that is quite right; thank you."
 An hour later 1 was dandling my baby while waiting the call to supper; at about the same time, as 1 afEerward learned. Miss Alice Grinneu was discovered in her room, shot through the heart. She had been found reclining, or rather extended in an asy-chair, her right hand hanging over one chair-arm, while immediately beneath it on the carpet lay small silver mounted pistol. I read the account the following morning while breakfast ing, and of course it struck me that the letter might have had something to do with the tragedy. I scanned the details closely to ascertain whether the nature of it's contents had transpired. No; an empty envelope of tissue paper, it was stated, directed in bold, running hand, that talled, had been found on table at the lady's left; half-sheet of heavy note, obviously, by the fold, the blank page of the letter, lay near her feet, and some flying finder about the open fire grate disclosed the fact that paper had been recently burned.
 Clearly there was 8 discrepancy. The letter I had delivered was not written on heavy note,-I could swear it; besides, %ho KaI aho ~S o% khoA letter it should have blot on the upper fold-a circumstance not mentioned. sat reviewing my impressions and de- batting possibilities 30 long that my wife warned me should be late; then, throw ing down the paper and hastily dispatch ing my meal, hurried to the office. Nevertheless, I caught myself at every odd interval throughout the day perpIex- ing myself over the mystery.
 Blythe evening papers I learned that the father of the lady had arrived and identified the body. It appeared that he resided in the country, not 50 miles dis tant; had read the first printed account !; and he stated that his daughter, who was mistress of his house, he being 8 widower, had quilted her home on 6 shopping expedition to the city. He had himself driven her to the station Tuesday, November IF; had purchased her cou- pom ticket, had placed her in the 10 09 8. m. train and had watched the train move from the depot. She had in her possession at the time $225, S1OO of which, it was understood, she was to de- posit in the Union bank, and the remain der expend in purchases for herself and the household. There was nothing, to his knowledge, in her mental, moral or domestic relations to have superinduced suicide. He had never known her goIown or use pistol. She was 20 years old, of a quiet and self-reliant character, and had frequently visited the city on similar errands.
 It had also developed that Miss Grin- nell had made no recent deposit at the Union bank, and her purse. found in the pocket of an inner skirt on her person, ,con- tained only $5 bill, some loose change and return car ticket. On being shown the empty envelope, MT Grinnell said he believed he recognized the handwriting of the superscription, but the letter could have had no bearing on the deed, if it's writer were the Eperson,-an intimate of his own ,-he had in mind. However, he would telegraph the latter, ,and he desired the irquest might be postponed till his friend arrived.
 When I rose the next morning, Hound my nights rest had done me no good. How should 1t, when had bean deliver ing letters all night, and all more or less splotched with ink? 1T don't see what have to do with it,n argued with my- self. ''It Is true have impressions, but what could I swear to, In the nature of legal evidence? However. if encounter Potts to-day, I'll ask hfn where Istand.''
 As 1t chanced, saw Potts at a short distance during the second delivery. Hello, Potts!" called. ssCome, walk 8 little way with me, can't you? I want to ask you something"
 Potts halted, but when had come up with him, said: its not about the supposed suicide on my beat, is 1t? Can't talk about that 'gainst my orders.'
 Well, itsis about that" I rejoined. About the letter, you know--I delivered it.n
 ssure enough! You did, suppose well9n
 ''Did you sec that half-sheet of note