Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1902-07-26

And now I've just heard of your evil
dence and the verdict. and | don't see
how anybody. except me. could fail to
suspect you Yes. YOU
Nell. who had been very white. grew
crimson as she looked ut him.
You mean-rhat You suspect me.
too? You think me capable Of
NO. child. of course not. But
think you gave your evidence very
badly. and that you therefore can't eX'
pect to be pitied. Now tell me why
YOU didn't want to come and see me:'
Nell silently hung her head
WAS it because you didn't care If
you never saw me again:
Up went the face. radiant with pas
sionate denial.
We'll. was it because you knew l
should ask you some questions:'
Down went the face again.
What was 1t you wanted to see me
about when you sent for me to come
down from town to see you:"
She locked up 1T him with face full
of terror
"Ah. that's it," she whispered hur-
riedly. That is why l didn't want TO
see YOU. | knew you would want to
know that. And now-I cannot tell
your
why not?"
YESTERDAY" went on Nell. her voice
getting lower. Il was going to ask
Your advice; for it was only case of
theft. To-day dare not. for it is now
a question of-Iaurder.
You know something. Nell.'
Il don't. wish did. Butt sus-
pcct. And dare not whisper my sus-
picion even to you. until have felt my
way 10 a little mere knowledge. Now
will YOU be content with that. and not
want to make me speak when would
| rather be si,en-:'
Clifford hesitated.
Wouldn't you trust me to he silent.
| too"
Nell began to look perplcxed and
! miserable. drawn this way and that
by conflicting feelings of love and
! duty. Clifford saw how keen the struS-
! gle was. and like 4 generous fellow. cut
| 1t short for her.
"AU right. Nell. you shall keep your
secret. Only mind this: must be the
first 10 know it, Will you promise me
| that:"
Yes. oh, yes, and 1 thank you with
all my heart
The weight OF care sprang up from
! OF the girls heart at one bound. The
| entire trust which Clifford showed in
her was just the balm her wounded
| soul needed. and the hour the nurse
allowed her to spend By her lovers
bedside. although it was passed almost
in silence after this explanation. was
one of happiness and relief so deep
| that she went out to face the world
and her uncle's suspicion with fresh
| courage.
Clifford's wound had proved more
serious than was at first supposed.
| There was risk of Inflammation. anu
the doctors ordered that he was to he
kept very quiet. When. therefore. that
| same evening. Hemming called at the
| inn. and asked to see Mr.. King. he
| would have been denied altogether If
| Clifford himself had not heard the in
| curry and recognizing the voice. H.
| sisted on seeing the detective.
| well, and what do you want with
me-" asked Clifford. with interest. as
| Heyam!ng was shown into his tiny
room.
We'll. sir. I hear you've seen Miss
| Claris since tie inquest" was the de-
tective's abrupt opening.
Yes. Well?''
well. sir. things lool, about as black
| for her as they well can"
And he gave the young man a
shrewd look rs he pronounced this
| statement. Clifford said nothing. and
Hemming went on:
knowing how you were-were n
friend of the young lady. sir. thought
it only right you should know as am
downright certain who was at the
| bottom both of the murder and the
robbery: and I'm only waiting to mako
! :le chain OF proof little stronger be-
fore making an arrest
| of wnom:"
81 leave you TO guess. sir. I may tell
| you I've found the pistor'-Clifford
| stavted-'2nd the bullet fits it exact.
| ~"
do you want to put any more ques-
tons to Miss Claris?" asked Clifford,
im,- rturbably.
We'll. the young lady seemed so un.
willing-But. of course, if you think
she wouldn't mind-after all. it's only
n rehearsal like. and l dare say she
knows that"
| To be Continued.