The Lamar register., 1902-02-05

"The bracelet could not have gone
without hands to take 1t, Gerard, re-
piled Lady Sarah. How else do you
account for its disappearance"
IL believe there must be some
misapprehension, some great mistake
in the affair altogether, Lady Sarah. u
apears incomprehensible now. out
will be unraveled."
"Ay. and in double-quick time,
wrathfully exclaimed the Colonel
you must think you are talking to
pack of idiots, Master Garard. Here
the bracelets was spread temptingly
out on a table, you went into the
room, being hard up for money nm
eered 1t. wished for it, and both you
and the bracelet disappeared. Sir
turning sharply to the officer-"did
clearer case ever go before jury!"
Gerard Hope bit his lip. BE more
lust. Colonel" said he. Your own
brothers son steal bracelet"
"And 1 am happy my brother is not
alive to know it," rejoined the Coionei
in an obstinate tone. Take MIN IN
hand, Mr.. Officer; we'll go to Marl-
borough street. I'll Just change my
coat, and"
mo. no, you will mott" cried Lady
Sarah, laying hold OF the dressing
gown and the Colonel in it; you shall
not go nor Gerard either. Whether
he is guilty or not. 1t must not De
brought against him publicly. lie
bears your name, Colonel. and SO DO l.
and it would reflect disgrace on us all
perhaps you are made OF money
my lady. II so. you may put up with
the loss of a G25O bracelet. don't
9, ,oose to do So"
""Then. Colonel. you will. and you
must. Sir" added Lady Sarah to the
detective. I'VE are Obliged to you for
your attendance and advice. but 1t
turns out to be family affair as you
perceive. and we must decline to
prosecute. Besides, Mr.. Hope may not
be guilty"
Alice rose and stood before Colonel
Hope. "Sir, II this charge were pre-
ferred against your nephew. II 1t came
to trial, think 1t would kill me. You
know my unfortunate state of health; !;
the agitation, the excitement OF ap-
pearance to give evidence. would be
IL cannot continue; l cannot speak
of it without terror; l pray you, Tor
my sake, do not prosecute Mr.. Hope.
The Colonel was about to storm
forth an answer. but her white face,
ner heaving throat, had some eject
even on him.
HE is SO doggedly obstinate, Miss
Seaton. II he would but confess and
tell where it is. perhaps I'd let him
on"
Alice thought somebody else was OBJ
stinate.
81 do not believe he has anything to
confess" she deliberately said; II
truly believe that he has not. He could
not have taken 1t. unseen by me; and
when we quilted the room. l feel sure
the bracelet was left in it."
"It was left in 1t, so help me heav-
sn!" uttered Gerard.
And now I've got to speak" added
Frances Chenevix.. Colonel. If you
were to press the charge against Ger
ard, l would go before the magistrates
and proclaim myself the thief. / vow
and protest world, just to save him
and you and Lady Sarah could not
prosecute me, you know"
"You do well to stand up for him!'
retorted the Colonel. You would not
be quite SO ready to do it, though, my
Lady Fanny, II you knew something
I could tell you"
"Oh. yes, I should" returned the
young lady with vivid blush.
The Colonel, beset on all sides, had
no choice but to submit; but he did SC
1ach hal n
tho room with the officer. as fiercely
as II he had been charging an enemy
at full tilt.
1.-The sentimental apes these women
make of themselves" cried he in his
polite way, when he had got him in
private. "Is it not a clear case oi
guilt?"
'In my private opinion, 1t certainly
is" was the reply; though he carries
It of with high hand. I suppose
Colonel, you still wish the bracelet tc
be searched for?"
Search In and out and high and
low; search everywhere. The rascal!
to dare even to enter my house in
secret!"
May inquire II the previous breach
Win your nephew nao 10 oo Will
money affairs?"
NO" said the Colonel, turning more
crusty at the thoughts called up. 81
fixed up a wife for him and he would
MT have her; so l turned him out Q.
doors and stopped his allowance"
"Oh," was the only comment Of the
police officer.
CHAPTER x.
It was in the following week, and
Saturday night. Thomas, without his