The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-01-25

have UNDERSTOOD me this morning! was
that what she meant?
''Mr. Heygate has a powerful advocate"
said Sir Francis, slowly. Perhaps you also
believe that your aunt is capable of getting
out of bed and coming down here. Mr..
Heygates story casts such a suspicion on
your aunt remember
II could believe that sooner than believe
Mr.. Heygate guilty OF theft"
1.-The thing is important. Perhaps we had
better see Mrs. Armstrong"
1.-THE Uoctor is with her now" said
Evelyn.
IAN excellent time for our visit was the
answer. I'VE will all co.
Sir Francis fully believed me guilty. and
I fancy he thought he would play upon my
better nature in this way. 1 followed him
out of the room without a word.
The doctor was just descending the stairs.
Good morning. DOCTOR" said Sir Francis.
1--WE are just going to pay your patient
visit 1t will not hurt her, suppose. %
ION the contrary, it will do her good. She
is better. much better. 1 have been telling
her this morning that as soon as we get a
little fine weather she ought to be moved
to some quiet little place abroad. think it
might work a miracle for her."
II am glad Of that Tell me, doctor. can
Mrs. Armstrong walk at all at PRESENT.
mot at all; but in time she will, think"
The doctor took up his hat.
I hardly know what made me say it: it
must have been sudden inspiration. I'm
der the circumstances, Sir Francis, don't
you think it would be well If DIR. Furnival
waited until-until you are satisfed?''
Until when, sir?" said the doctor.
For half an hour. DOCTOR" said.
Certainly not. sir; my time is precious.
Good morning, Sir Francis"
Sir Francis did not speak. placed my
self in front OF the doctor.
at Is purely a matter of FORM" I said.
Sir Francis has given orders that no one
is to leave the house until the police arrive.
1t is impossible for you to go, DR.. Furnival,
until them
'Sir Francis, appeal to you"
For one moment thought should be or
dered to stand aside. but the doctors face
had changed color strangely. and Sir Fran
els noticed it.
Mr.. Heygate is right" he said. DUTY to
my country corlpels me to detain you, doc
tor; a mere matter of form, of course,
but"
"As you will, although 1 very strongly
protest against such treatment" he said.
Il may as we'll spend the time talking to
my patient He turned toward the stairs
as we all did. He stood aside to let Evelyn
pass, and waited for Sir Francis 1t was
cleverly done. I was the only one behind
him. Quick as thought he turned and
struck at me. was quite unprepared and
reeled back against the wall In a mo-
| ment he had the door open and might have
made good his escape had not police off,
| Ger come up to the door that moment.
-
| The papers were found upon him, and,
| since deception was useless. Mrs. Arm
strong confessed to stealing them. She
had come to Stour Park for that purpose,
and both the nurse and the doctor were
in league with her. Mrs. Armstrong could
walk as well as I could. All three were
| deeply interested in the agitation against
| England regarding affairs in South Africa
and they had rightly argued that. sooner
| or later, valuable information could be
stolen from Sir Francis Gillian. The OPP
portunity had only come last night. Be-
lieving that I had gone to the concert,
Mrs Armstrong had went to the library,
just as had seen her come. After the
nurse had seen me go to my room Mrs.
Armstrong went down again, took the pa
pers and slipped the key on my bunch.
1t was an excellent opportunity for getting
rid Of me. She had found me in her way
many times. and there would be other
valuable information to steal in the fu-
| ture. AS a traitress to her country she
was doubtless genuine, but by nature she
was bitter and envious woman. She may
have found real personal pleasure in ruin
ing Sir Francis's career. for, II she had
succeeded as fully as she hoped to do, she
| certainly would have ruined him polit-
| ically
Sir Francis's apology to me was full and
ample. and paved the way for an interview
I had with him some little while after
wards. 1t followed upon a conversation I
| had with Evelyn one evening after din
ner.
do you remember the day father sent
for you in such hurry?" she said. She
had been singing. and we were alone in the
| drawing room.
II am never likely to forget It,"
1--WE were interrupted while we were talk
ing about the concert and Captain Denton.
You said: IF you only knew'-and then
the servant entered. What were you going
to say?"
"Need tell you. Evelyn"
II think you must"
took both her hands in mine and looked
into her eyes. She understood. and in her
eyes / read my answer.
| TCopvripht 1000