Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1902-07-05
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ing. which made the colonel rather
ashamed of himself. He tried to calm
her. assuring her that nobody but the
doctors. who We're pompous asses
without an idea how TO treat men of
powers and position vastly superior to
their own. would ever entertain such
q monstrous opinion. But she could
not find enough comfort in his words:
and at last. in spite of his and his
daughters efforts 10 detain her. she set
of TO walk to the Blue Lion. that she
might at least have tine assurance she
longed for that nobody there shared
the colorel's rashiy expressed opinion.
Mind. Nell. you are TO come back
here to sleep" commanded Miss Ros-
tai. who objected 10 the girls remain
ing in the vicinity OF her highly unde-
sirable lover
But Nell would give no promise. She
was deeply anxious. rot only to hear
how Clifford was and what people
thought of Jem Stickeis's death. but
also, 10 know how soon she would be
able to speak to Clifford whose adj
vice had become more necessary than
ever
Refusing. therefore. Il rather per-
functory offer on the coloners part to
escort her along the lonely road. she
babe her friends good-by and started
on her way TO the Blue Lion.
But she got little reward for her
pains. The house was shut up when
she reached it; and Me|. who let her
In. started at the sight Of her, and
hurried her up to her room. with scant
information. OF course. the servant
had heard of the finding of Jem Stick
els's body; but she either would not or
could not offer any opinions. either
her own or anybody else's. as to the
manner in which it came about; and
Nell, fearing to rouse suspicion. was
fain to go to bed unsatisfied. Only
one piece of comfort was given her:
Mr.. King. who had professional
nurse in attendance on him. was get
ting on as we'll as they could hope
On the following morning. George
Claris. who looked worried and
anxious. told his niece. as soon as
breakfast was over. to pack her trunk
for her journey TO London. Nell did
not dare to make any protest. nor even
TO ask any questions of her uncle,
whose mood was clearly one to be re-
spected. She had to content herself
with Meg's report. obtained from the
nurse. that Clifford had passed good
night.
Before ten o'clock Nell and her un-
Gle were driving toward Stroan In the
dOg-cart. with her trunk behind them.
They had not gone far when they
noticed that something unusual was
going on along the road. A party of
men. among whom were two or three
of the Stroan police. were busily en-
gagged in examining the road itself and
the ditch on either side. Nell with
feminine quickness of perception.
guessed that this seasch was in some
way connected with the discovery of
Jem Sticllels's body on the previous
evening; but her uncle. being less
acute. pulled up his horse and made
inquiries.
Halo. what's up:" said lac. ad-
dressing the nearest policeman.
'Oh. nothing in particular" replied
the man. with glance ut Nell.
Nothing as would interest you"
added another of the searchers. and
he. too. looked in an odd manner at
the young girl who sat with pale face
and silent lips beside George Claris.
We'll. you might give a civil answer
to a civil question. 1 should think"
said the irnkeeper. angrily.
His niece. more by gestures and
coaxing little touches of his sleeve
than by words. tried to induce him To
drive ON. But he was obstinate. As
an old inhabitant, and one. moreover.
who had always been ON good terms
with every one. he thought he had a
right to the information he had limo.
gently asked for.
Come now " he persisted. leaning
out of the dog cart. and speaking in a
confidential tone: IF it's secret. you
know as l can keep H. I've kept Sc
crets enough before. haven't t.
But to his great indignation. lie saw
on some of the faces of the men ut
work what he took for Il plying smile
He lost his temper.
''Now then. out with it," said he. IN
a sullen tone.
The policeman to whom he had first
spoken repressed the smile on his OVID
and answered seriously enou s: