The Washburn leader. [volume] (Washburn, McLean County, N.D.) 1890-1986, 1901-08-24
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ELIZABETH
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I erty to remind every one that my in
quiries have been due entirely to my
wish to get a clue to the perpetrator OF
this wicked crime. I will nov take my
leave, that 1 may think the matter
over, and consider whether I have any
information that will serve me-"
He hastily bowed, in a way tina
seemed to include everyone and hurried
from the room.z
He a not n more than half a
dozen steps when he was overtaken by
Mrs. Martin.
II know you will understand my mo-
tive in following you. Mr.. Hantlin," she
FASTENED to say. II am the greatest
sufferer by the death of my poor broth
er, and I suppose 1t Is natural that L
should be the most anxious to avenge
him. There seems little enough dispo-
sition in this house to aid he cause Of
Justice; but If I can make UP for the
lulke-warm interest Of others, let me
( do so. 1t there nothing I can do to aid
you? I now you mistrust that French
hussy, and so do I. Oh, I saw the
looks that passed between her n her
mistress!'
A slight movement Of the muscles
around the mouth, that might have
OCCu d. SIIIllc III oily OLAACA AAoAp "A0
Hantlin's first answer, as he stopped
! short and locked Mrs. Martin directly
in the face.
II think 1 can understand your feel
ings, madam" he said, land I also
think you may be of use to me. You
noticed that Mrs. Grayson said her
maid had probably retired to her wv
room?" +,
"Yes!' returned Mrs. Martin, eager
~, "but she hasn't. IT size had done so
Mrs. Grayson would not have offered to
send for her."
That's as may be. In these matters
nothing is certain, and all former pre-
cedents are contradicted. Now, II
Mademoiselle Leonce did retire to her
own room, she is probably there yet;
and II we a find out where her room
is, it will be easy eEeugh to find out II
h is in It,"
II will know where 1t is in a very few
moments!" declared Mrs. Martin, with
her usual promptitude.
Advancing to the head Of the stairs,
she called to one Of the servants, who
happened to be friendly toward her,
from interested motives; but h re-
ceived no reply, for the servants had
all betaken themselves to the lower
floor again, after having devoured the
wedding breakfast to their own full
content.
They were probably too deeply en-
gagged now in discussing the ,recen.
tragedy, and it's possible effects upon
their own individual welfare, to hear
any ordinary noise.
Mrs. Martin hastily ran down stairs,
seized the bell-pull in the front hall,
and wrung an imperious peal. The
summons was answered by the very
servant she had previously called.
"Now, SUSAN she said, addressing
the startled girl, II want you to tell me
where the room of Leonce, the French
maid, is situated, or, better still, come
with me and show me the room."
The girl replied by obeying, and, hav-
ling followed Mrs. Martin up stairs again
to the hall where she had left William
Hantlin waiting her return, the girl
preceded them up another flight OF
stairs leading to the floor above, and
then, at the further end Of the hall be-
yond it, halted at the door Of a small
room.
'This is 1t, ma'am. The French maid
was put in this room for the present.
How I know it is because I happened to
be the one that showed her into 1t
when she came this forenoon, after
poor, dear master had started for the
church. The room is too far away
from missus' room, and was a-going to
be changed after our new mtssus got
back from across the ocean"
"Oh, very well, Susan, thank you;
you may go"
Mrs. Martin waited a moment until
she was out of hearing on her way
down stairs again.
Hantlin had already knocked lightly
on the door. but had received no an
swer. Mrs. Martin, unhesitatingly tried
the door, and found 1t locked.
"she's in the room!" she whispered.
with a keen look at the detective. 1.-THE
door would not be locked unless she was
on the other side Of it."
"or some one else concealed there"
the detective returned, quietly, and in
the same low tone.
A look Of excitement came into Mrs.
| Martins face-she thought OF Shirley
Austin instantly-yes. at the insttga-
ton Of Clarice, he might be concealed
there.
1--WE must know without delay!" she
said. Some one is within. ! hear
movements. Do your
The detective slightly inclined his
head, almost carelessly, 1t seemed t.
Mrs. Martin, and his calmness only tn-
creased her excitement. h seized the
door-knob and ratified 1t violently;
then, with both hands. beat violently
on the panel. NJ
.Who is there?' asked q voice. that
she recognized sfthe Frenchwomans.
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