Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1901-08-22
III F@G@lr> r.,, ~~ ,.
ELIZABETH
M1d1r&@@@> ' .,.,

erty to remind every one that my in
quiries have been due entirely to my
wish to get clue to the perpetrator or
this wicked crime. I will now take my
leave, that / may think the matter
over, and consider whether have any
information that will serve me-"
He hastily bowed, in a way that
seemed to include everyone and hurried
from the room.
He had not gone more than half a
dozen steps when he was overtaken by
Mrs. Martini
Il know you will understand my mo-
tive in following you, Mr.. Hantlin," She
FASTENED to say. Il am the greatest
sufferer by the death of my poor broth
er, and suppose it is natural that 1
should be the most anxious to avenge
him. There seems little enough dispo-
sition in this house to aid the cause of
justice; but if 1 can make up for the
lulke-warm interest of others. let me
do so. 1t there nothing 1 can do to aid
you? know you mist1ust that French
hussy, and so do I. Oh, I saw the
looks that passed between her and her
mistress!'
A slight movement of the muscles
around the mouth, that might have
been a smile in any other man, was
Hantlin's first answer, as he stopped
short and locked Mrs. Martin directly
in the face.
II think I can understand your feel
ings, madam he said, land 1 also
think you may be of use to me. You
noticed that Mrs. Grayson said her
maid had probably retired to her own
room?''
"Yes!" returned Mrs. Martin, eager
~, but she hasn't. If 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, if
Mademoiselle Leonce did retire to her
own room, she is probably there yet,
and If we can find out where her room
is, it will be easy erough to find out if
she is in it,
Il will know where it 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 she 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-
ing followed Mrs. Martin up stairs again
to the hall where she had left William
Hantlin waiting her return, the girl
preceded them up another fight of
stairs leading to the floor above, and
then, at the further end of the hall be-
yond it, halted at the door of small
room.
This is it, ma'am. The French maid
was put in this room for the present.
! How I know it is because happened to
NC lue Oue llldt SIlOWeu uef 1ulO IL
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 missus got
back from across the ocean,
ooh, very we'll, Susan, thank you;
you may co.
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 it 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,"
Cor 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 instiga-
ton of Clarice he might be concealed
there.
1--WE must know without delay!' she
said. "SSome one is within. hear
movements. Do you?"
The detective slightly inclined his
head, almost carelessly, it seemed t.
Mrs. Martin, and his calmness only in
creased her excitement. She seized the
door-knob and ratified it violently;
then, with both hands, beat violently
on the panel.
"Who is there?" asked a voice, that
she recognized as the Frenchwomans.
1T is 1, Mrs. Martin. Open the door
instantly. You are wanted
Almost while she spoke, the door
opened, and Leoncs appeared, holding a
white six handkerchief to her face. The
handkerchief was stained with blood,
and the woman took no pains to con-
ceal the fact.
Mrs. Martin pushed aside the French
maid and rushed into the room. 1t
was a small, square room, containing
one closet, the dor of which stood, os-
tentaliously, open, showing that a few
dresses hung upon the hooks, and a
handbook with another smaller box,
stood upon the shelf.
who have you concealed here?