Courier Democrat., 1903-02-26

"No. But he must come forward
and clear himself Every moment
that he waits makes it harder to do SO.
You must understand that, Miss Pur.
cell. Do you know where he is?''
II do"
For moment Loud doubted if she
told the truth, but only for moment
and looking at her, he who knew
faces SO we'll, must believe her.
II appeal to you, in the cause OF
truth and JUSTICE" he exclaimed ear
nestly. not to conceal what you may
know. Why does he secrete himself
in this manner? If you have any in
fluence with him beseech him to come
forward, Suspicion gathers closer and
closer about him. He must be insane.
being innocent. as you think, to act
thus. Miss Purcell, will you let me
see that letter."
Kate lolled at him with angry ewes.
but she did not reply directly
Remember how necessary it is that
you assist me in discovering him. II
he is innocent he can doubtless prove
his innocence. May see the letter."
he asked again.
s'You would not believe me if told
you it would reveal nothing" she re.
piled.
And she drew the letter from fer
pocket. extending it toward him.
Loud was inexpressibly surprised at
her yielding thus. With unconcealed
eagerness he took the letter.
But his countenance fell as he read:
II cannot resist addressing you," it
began, though l know there may be
danger in so doing. But let me at
least entreat you to believe in me. I
could not live and know that you sus.
pected me. 1 am hampered by cir
cumstances which I cannot now ex.
plain-a sacred promise prevents me.
l only ask you again to believe in my
honor and uprightness. I dare not
write the words which throng to be
uttered. You know it is not safe to
trust written words abroad
There was no name signed to the
letter-no date. 1t absolutely told
nothing. save that to Loud it appeared
to reveal that an artful man was de.
ceiving pure and noble girl.
Where was this mailed?" he asked.
returning it to her.
Il am willing to tell you," she re.
piled. 1T was mailed in Boston,"
"And you know where to address
him?"
Il should direct to Boston. though l
have had no instructions to do so. You
have read all he wrote"
"Yes," exclaimed Loud, "I have read
it all. and find that he knows very
we'll how to conceal himself! For an
innocent man he is very skillful."
The detective spoke with great bit.
terness and regretted it the moment
he haG done so This case was irri-
tating him greatly. He seemed not
able to keep his temper.
HE is Innocent" was the reply
Kate made, in that tone of voice which
admits of no doubt.
Loud scarcely heard her. He was
standing with his eyes cast down, his
thoughts fixed upon one subject.
II will find this Vance Rothesay who
writes SO securely from Boston!
will find him before the week is out or
will never call myself detective more" {"
With an effort he turned to Kate and
said:
"You ought to thank me if am able
to bring this man to his senses, so
that he may remove suspicion from
himself
'i do not fear for him." was the cold.
emphatic reply
Loud turned away abruptly and Kate
went slowly home.
The day passed in that quiet that
shrouded nearly all her days. She
was thankful that Dick Burt refrained
from coming near her. Her father,
Notwithstanding her decision, had Civ.
en- her a certain time in which to con-
sent to become Dicks wife, and on the
next day that time would expire.
But she gave no thought to that, ioI
she could not change her mind. But
She dreaded that time when the SUBJ
ject would be mentioned again be-
tween them.
In the meantime Purcell had given
himself to the delusion which had so
much power over him. He was away
nearly all night and returned exhaust.
ed with fatigue. He spent his days in
the study of that yellow book and in
drawing plans, crasing and correcting
them.
/ (To be continucd.)
Mar s~l.