Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1901-08-08

err feared her husband much, for she
had been treated generally as spoiled
and petted child: but now his sudden
effort at exercising authority annoyed.
more than it intimidated her land, with
the unexpected strength of the weak,
she was now so terrified for Clarice
that She was ready to fight anyone who
would have sought to keep her from the
child whom she loved with all the heart
she possessed. II won't so home-l
won't. I won't, won't!" she repeated.
Let me go to Clarice! must and will
see herr"
Mr.. Hantlin. the detective, was now
the one who succeeded in quieting Mrs.
Mowbrays Seco.ld outbreak Of excite
ment.
Without seeming to have noticed her
frenzied outburst at sight of the stilet-
to, no word or look of her terrified
countenance had escaped him. On first
entering the house, he had been in time
to hear part Of what Mrs. Martin had
just then said, and his quick mind at
once connected those words and Mrs.
Mowbray's terror on beholding the
bloody weapon.
OF course. the stiletto was in some
way connected with Mrs. Grayson. 1t
was necessary that he should find out
in what way.
My dear madam" he said, in a quiet,
calm. cool tone. that generally held at
tention you shall not be kept from
your daughter-on the contrary. you
shall see her. and at once. l am led to
think that Mrs. Grayson has not been
told of her husbands death. 1t will u>
| impossible for very long to keep it a
secret. Might I suggest that it would
be as well to acquaint her at once with
these painful circumstances? She may
be able to tell us much that would be
of great assistance"
My poor child can tell you nothing
nothing at all. I am sure Of that" Mrs.
Mowbray exclaimed, wildly "How
should She? What can she know? Oh,
dear, dear! Only let me go to her, and
you may all come, and see for your
selves how innocent she is. Let me go
to her-let me go!'
Brian Mowbray smothered a groan of
despair. He felt that every word tina,
fell from his wife's lips was only tend
ing more surely to turn suspicion to-
ward their unfortunate daughter.
But it was worse than useless now to
attempt to silence Mrs. Mowbray.
Where is Mrs. Grayson?" asked the
detective.
But Mrs. N1owbray only wrung her
hands and shook her head hopelessly.
mo one has seen Mrs. Grayson since
the discovery Of my poor brothers
DEATH" Mrs. Martin answered, pathet-
ically. But from her maid learned,
when I first came, that she was locked
in her own room. judge she is theirs.
STILL There is every reason to suppose
that some very angry words passed be-
tween the husband and wife on their
first arrival. But it u.s. perhaps, better
not to refer to that now. No doubt
Mrs. Grayson can tell us much that
may be of value in pursuing this in
vestigation."
eff she can she will, madam; be sure
of that" Mrs. Mowbray burst out,
turning with fury on her enemy.
Then, addressing Dett ctive Hantlin,
she added, more graciously:
Il am almost stranger in the house,
sir, or would offer to lead you at once
to my daughter: but do not know, my
self, where to find her."
Mrs. Martin, politely ignoring this
speech, turned to the police officer.
eff you will kindly unlock the door,
"
son by her maid, who is, no doubt, still
outside in the hall with the rest Of the
servants"
Capt. Monroe answered by unlocking
and then throwing open the door.
Lconce was, indeed, still outside the
door, though the rest of the servants,
having suddenly remembered that they
We're hungry, and that a magnificent
- CT 4O
stairs, had disappeared.
The girl was, if possible, more pale
than before, but the expression of her
face was changed. There was look
upon it that betokened relief from the
despairing terror that had been there,
although held under strong control. Her
| eyes had not the steel-li!le glitter thai
had shone in them when she was in the
room, but as soon as the door was
opened she glanced quickly into the
room, and then at the police officer ana
| lastly at the detective
| She had been standing very close to
| the door, and had, indeed, been trying
| to hear what passed within, but with.
very little success.
| The door was of heavy, thick oak, too
we'll made to leave hairs breadth OF
closed; the key was in the lock, too.
and the police officer had, without
knowing it, taken up his position in
side, so that he stood against the door,
effectually blocking up the only loop
hole by which she could have heard
distinctly.
Mrs. Martin was the first person to
speak.
"You will go to your mistress, Mrs.
Grayson, and tell her that circum-
stances of a very serious nature re-
quire her attention, but on no account
mention what has happened"
The French maid bowed, and with,
drew to carry her message. Mrs. Mar
tin followed her a few steps into the
hall, glad to get out of that awful
| room.
Mrs. Mowbray, closely accompanied
by her husband, also came out into the
hall, and they were, in turn. followed
by the lawyer Mr.. Baldwin, Police Cap
tain Monroe and Detective Hantlin.
1t was evident to the lawyer that the
detective suspected Mrs. Grayson, and
was determined to get into her presence