Omaha daily bee., 1902-12-28
copyrighted. 1902. by 7 c. McClure.)
CHAPTER XVII.
Discusses Several Nfafter1

Reader, I know that what I have mar
rated is astounding. 1t sstounded me just
as 1t astounds you.
There are moments wnen ones brain be-
comes dulled by a sudden bewilderment at
sight of the absolutely impossible.
1t certainly seemed beyond credence that
the man whose fatal and mysterious wound
l had myself examined should be there,
WALKING with his wife in q lover-like atti-
tude. And yet there was no question that
the pair were there. A small bush sep
arated us, so that they passed arm-in-arm
within three feet OF me. AS l have already
explained, the moon was SO bright that 1
could see to read; therefore, shining full
upon their faces It was impossible to mis-
take the features Of two persons whom l
knew so well.
Fortunately they had not overheard my
involuntary exclamation of astonishment.
or IL they had, both evidently believed it
to be one OF the many distorted sounds of
the night. Upon Mary's face there was re-
vealed a calm expression of perfect con-
tent, different indeed from the fearful coun-
~tenance Of a few hours before. while her
husband. gray faced and serious, Just as
he had been before his last illness, had her
arm linked In his, and walked with her,
whispering some low, indistinct words,
W. ARS q bmliS VI pcIltCl
felicity.
Now had / been a superstitious man I
should have promptly declared the whole
thing to have been an apparition. But as
l do not believe in borderland theories, any
more than 1 believe that a man whose heart
is nearly cut in twain can again breathe
and live, l could only stand aghast, be.
wildered and utterly dumbfounded.
Hidden from them by a low thornbush I
stood there in silent stupefaction as they
passed by. That 1t was no chimera of the
Imagination was proved by the fact that
their footsteps sounded upon the path, and
just as they had passed l heard Courtenay
address his wife by name. The transforms
tion of her countenance from the ineffable
picture OF grief and sorrow to the calm,
sweet expression of content had been
marvellous to say the least-an event
stranger indeed than any 1 had ever before
witnessed. In the wild writings of the old
romancers the dead have sometimes been
resuscitated, but never in this work-a-day
world Of ours. There is a ~fnality in death
that is decisive.
Yet, as l here write these lines, I stake
my professional reputation that the man l
saw was the same whom 1 had seen dead
In that upper room in Kew. 1 knew his
o~N SSeoA 1aa hAo "
well to mistake his identity.
That nights adventure was certainly the
most startling, and at the same time the
most curious that ever befell q man. Thus
l became seized with curiosity, and at risk
OF detection looked out after them. To
betray my presence would be to bar from
myself any chance of learning the secret of
II all; therefore l was compelled to exer-
else the greatest caution. Mary mourned
the loss Of her husband toward the world,
and yet met him in secret at night-wan-
dering with him by that solitary by-path
along which no yillager ever passed after
dark. and lovers avoided because Of the
popular tradition that a certain unfortunate |
lady OF the manor OF a century ago |
walked" there. IN the fact Of the mourn
Ing so we'll feigned 1 detected the conceal
ment OF some remarkable secret.
The situation was, without doubt, an ex-
traordinary one. The man upon whose
pody l had made a post-mortem examina-
tion was alive and we'll, walking with his
wife, although for months before his as
sassination he had been a bed-ridden in
valid. Such a thing was startling, inored-
ible! Little wonder was it that at first
1 could scarce believe my own eyes. Only
when I looked full into his face and recog-
nized his features, with all their senile
peculiaritles, did the amazing truth be-
come impressed upon me.
Around the bend Of the river stole
stealthily after them, in order to watch
their movements, trying to catch their
conversation, although, unfortunately, it
was in too low an undertone. He never
released her arm or changed his affection
ate attitude toward her, but appeared to
be relating to her some long and inter-
esting chain Of events to which she list
ented with rapt attention.
Along the rivers edge, out in the open
moonlight, 1t was difhcult to follow them
without risk OF observation. Now and then
the elder bushes and dropping willows af-
forded cover beneath their deep shadow,
but in places where the river wound
through the open water meadows my pres
ence might at any moment be detected.
Therefore the utmost ingenuity and eau
tion were necessary.
Having made the staggering discovery
l was determined to thoroughly probe the
mystery. The tragedy OF old Mr.. Courte-
nays death had resolved itself into a ro-
nance of the most mysterious and start
ling character. AS l crept forward over
the grass. often on tiptoe, so as to avoid
the sound Of my footballs. l tried to form
some theory to account for the bewilder-
ing circumstances. but could discern abso-
lutely none.
Mary was still wearing her mourning,
but abuut her head was wrapped a white
silk shawl, and on her shoulders a small
fur cape, for the spring night was chilly.
Her husband had on a dark overcoat and
soft felt hat, of the type he always wore,
and carried In his hand a light walking
stick. once or twice he halted when he
seemed to be impressing his words the
more foreibly upon her, and then l was
compelled to stop also and to conceal my
self. I WOuld have given much to over
hear the trend of their conversation. but
strive how l would, 1 was unable. They
seemed to fear eavesdroppers, and only
spoke in low. halt whispers.
l noticed how old Mr.. Courtenay kept
from time to time glancing around him. as
though in fear OF detection; hence I was
in constant dread lest he should look be-
hind him and discover me sinking along
their path. l am by no means an adept
at following persons. but in this case the
stake was so g~reat-the revelation OF some
startling and unparalleled m-ystery-that
strained every nerve and every muscle to
conceal my presence while pushing forward
after them.
Picture to yourself for a moment my
position. The whole OF my future happi-
49, - ..,...,ousNw -. -z.-..as.. A.. 1