Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1901-01-29

get at the truth among these people,
who told him different and inconsist-
ent stories, who evaded inquiries
which they did not choose to answer,
whose one object in speaking seemed
to be to throw a mist Of doubt and un-
certainty about every fact. Before
such a determination to hide the truth
as he seemed to feel everywhere
around him he felt that he was power
less.
They had reached the back Of the
farmhouse before either Of them spoke
again.
Then Mason saw Coch Tai glance
up at the drawn curtains Of Gwyn's
sickroom.
81 must 60 up stairs now," said the
doctor, "and see how my patient ic."
"She's better, they tell me-" said he
shortly.
Eyes, she has had some Sleep" an
swered the doctor.
He entered the house and Coch Tai
followed. with the same sullen and
menac cling manner. Just as the doctor
reached the foot Of the stairs Coch Tai
spoke again:
How long are you going to stay
here, sir|
Mason hesitated.
Until she is out Of danger" said he
at last.
"Is 1t her wish that you should
stayY
Surprised by the question, Mason
looked at him scrutinizingly by the
faint light Of a smoky little lamp
which was nailed against the wall.
There was eager interest in the mans
face and something like menace In his
tone.
"No," said Mason. ut is her fathers
wish" Coch Tai looked relieved, but
still somewhat suspicious. "The girl
herself told me to 90 away"
"she told you thatT"
eyes"
"Then should go II were you"
retorted Coch Tai grimly.
At that moment the farmer came out
Of one Of the rooms above and called to
Mason to come and see bis daughter.
his tone was jubilant and eager. Coch
Tai withdrew noiselessly and at once
and disappeared by the back door a.
Mason went up stairs.
He and Tregaron entered the sick
room together.
The patient was better; there was no
doubt Of that. She had had more sleep
during the day; her temperature had
gone down; the cough was less fire.
quent, less painful. The doctor. at
whom she smiled, but to whom she
scarcely spoke. turned to the farmer
with q reassuring look.
"She will do now with care" said
he. "She must be quiet and well
nursed. But the worst Of the trouble
Is over"
"Then you can 90 away, doctor"
said the girl, speaking out with une1'
pected strength and energy. '"You had
better return home at once and relieve
your friends anxiety"
The farmer and Mason smiled at
each other.
Seems very anxious to be rid Of
you, sir" said Tregaron. "It's rather
ungrateful, amt it?"
But she frowned slightly and again
insisted on Masson's going, SO that to
pacify her he said at once that he
should start as early as he could on
the following morning.
That's a promise" said she eagerly.
rYes, a promise"
Satisfied with this answer, she closed
her eyes again. and the doctor with
drew with his host.
II can't thank you, sir, 1 can't thank
you, not II was to live 100 years"
said Tregaron. you just come In the
nick of time, that you did; sent by
Providence, that you were! But II
there was anything I could do for
you
There is," cut in Mason quickly.
II want the mystery about my brother
cleared up. You can help me In that,
Mr.. Tregaron; you can get at the
truth. II any man can. have seen,
your man Merrick"-
you've seen him?" asked the farm
er, with establishment and interest.
Eyes, but can get nothing out Of
him; nothing at ALL"
"Ah! Well, you'd better leave 1t to
me. I'll leave no stone unturned to