Waterbury Democrat., 1901-03-25
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Copyright, 1se9 by J. B. Lippincott Com.
 pany. Ali ~'-','s reserved.
CHAPTER K.


 The momentary happiness which his unexpected impression upon Frances brought to Holbin soon gave place to jealous rage. It was impos- eible for him to rest satisfied. He told himself that the war was on; that he had been wonderfully success ful in his contact with the secret foe, and that victory was still possible. He went forth blindly into the city, seeking information of an unknown wounded man, but, of course, no ex- planation was forthcoming, for the reason that no one knew of such man. At dark he sought the police man whose beat was nearest the Brookin residence.
 Pistol shot? Oh, yes; he had heard pisto shots every night since the war fever came on; the town was full of excitement. And the officer re- mem bered also that recently a car riage had been twice driven furiously upon his street near daylight-the in- cident had impressed him because the hour was that in which the city was usually ,quietest. He had been un- der the impression that the carriage belonged to Dr. Brodnar, and he had satisfied himself with the reflection that some sudden illness had made the speed necessary. Why" he asked. lis there anything wrong afoot?" Raymond assured him that there was not and passed on, leaving the officer convinced to the contrary. Allthe facts Holbin ha gathered now confirmed Louise, hut he had reached the limit of his powers except in one direction. Nanny" was the last wit ness, and he hesitated long because of her relation to Frances. Finally, in desperation he privately summoned her to his room. The woman stood looking curious1y at him as he charged back and forth across the floor until he paused and confronted her.
 'You are called nanny, I believe" he said, sternly.
 "Yes, sah!" Nanny was startled and amazed.
 You are, of course, aware that you now belong to my mother, and that l have charge of all her property"
 "Huccum, sah, I b'long to yo' ma? done b'long ter ole miss. an she gi' me specially to Miss Frances!" Mann my adjusted her glasses and looked at him anXiousl y.
 'That makes no difference, woman. We, recognize no will in this house that conflicts with my mothers! I want you to answer my questions now and conceal nothing, or it will be an unfortunate day for you, old as you are! Where were you night before 1ast?" Nanny was astounded. No one ever addressed her in such man. ner. She had long been, a privileged character. True, since the coming cf the second Mrs. Brookin she had. lost much of her prestige, but she still held sway over the servants; and in the wing she reigned supreme.
 1T was out to see my daughter what Is hired to Dr. Brodnar, an her hus- band, he b'longs ter de doctor, sah, an tends de horses.'' When did you return?" Nanny looked critically at her questioner and waited. Answer mel" "Oh, come erlong back nex' day, sah."
 "At what time-at what time?" Long bout daylight, I reckon, eah.''
 Where was your Miss Frances 1 when you came?
 Where was Miss Frances? Where you reckon Miss Frances gointer be 1 'bout daylight but in bed?'' "In bed, was she?''
 "Yes, sah; an sleepih' like CT fed kitten. What for you askin' me bout 1 young miss?"
 Answer my questions. Where did your daughters husband spend tho night?"
 He spen' de night wid de doctor, Acourse-comin' an goin' to sick folks 6es like e always dol"