Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1901-01-09
THE MYSTERY OF
AGATHA WEBB.
BY ANNA KATHARINE GREENE,
Author of "The Leavenworth Case "Lost Mans Lane Hand
and Ring Etc, Etc.
Copyright, 1900, by Anna Katharine Green

JTGGL.
| in their old. inQuiring way to his hands
from which he had removed the ring
which up to this hour he had invari-
ably worn on his third finger In this
glance Of hers and this action of bis
began the struggle that was to make
that day memorable in many hearts.
After the first stir occasioned by the
entrance of two such important per-
sons and possible witnesses the crowd
settled back into its old quietude under
the coroner's hand. A tedious witness
was having his slow say. and to him a
full attention was being given In the
hope that some real enlightenment
would come at last to settle the ques-
tionS which had been raised by ANA
bells incomplete and unsatisfactory tes-
timony. But no man can furnish what
he does not possess, and the few final
minutes before noon passed by with
out any addition to the facts which
had already been presented for general
consideration.
AS the witness sat down the clock
began to strike. AS the slow, hesitat-
ing strokes rung out Sweetwater saw
Frederick yield to sudden but most
profound emotion. The old fear. which
we understand If Sweetwater did not.
had again seized the victim of ANA
bells ambition, and under her eye.
which was blazing full upon him now
with a fell and steady purpose, he
found his right hand stealing toward
the left in the significant action she
expected. Better to yield than fall
headlong into the pit one word Of hers
could open. He had not meant to
yield. but now that the moment had
come, now that he must at once and
forever choose between course that
led simply to personal unhapplness and
one that involved not only himself. but
those dearest to him. in disgrace and
sorrow, he felt himself weaken to the
point of clutching at whatever would
save him from the consequences Of
confession. Moral strength aud that
tenacity of purpose which only comes
from years of self control were too
lately awakened in his breast to sus
fell on the ear he felt himself yield
ing beyond recovery and had almost
touched his finger in the significant ac
ton of assent which Amabel awaited
with breathless expectation when
was it miracle or only the suggestion
Of his better nature?-th memory of
face full of holy pleading rose from the
past before his eyes. and with an inner
cry of Mother" he threw his hand
out and clutched his fathers arm in a
way to break the charm of his own
dread and end forever the effects Of
the intolerable fascination that was
working upon him. Next minute the
last stroke rang out. and the hour was
up which Amabel had set as the limit
Of her silence.
A pause. which to their two hearts
If to no others. seemed strangely ap-
propriate. followed the cessation Of
these sounds. then the witness was dis.
missed. aud Amabel. taking advan.
tage Of the movement. was about to
lean toward Mr.. Courtney. when Fred
erick. leaping with bound to his feet,
drew all eyes toward himself with the
cry:
LET me be put on my oath. have
testimony to give Of the utmost I'm
portance in this case"
The coroner was astounded; every
one was astounded. No one had ex-
pected anything from him and instinc-
lively every eye turned toward Anna
bel to see how she was affected by his
action.
Strangely, evidently. for the look
with which she settled back in her seat
was one which no one who saw 1t ever
forgot. though it conveyed no hint Of
her real feelings. which were some
what chaotic.
Frederick. who had forgotten her,
now that he had made up his mind to
speak, waited for the coroner'S reply.
IF you have testimony" said that
gentleman. after exchanging few hur-
ried words with Mr.. Courtney and the
surprised Knapp. you can do no bet
ter than give it to us at once. Mr..
Frederick Sutherland will you take the
stand?
With a noble air from which all
hesitation had vanished. Frederick
started toward the place indicated, but